But been a 'crooked billet.'

"And then there came a cuirassier

And cut me on the chest;—

He had no pity in his heart,

For he had steel'd his breast.

"Next thing a lancer, with his lance,

Began to thrust away;

I call'd for quarter, but, alas!

It was not Quarter-day.

"He ran his spear right through my arm,