“And our only one, so people say;
In your twopenny wars no great captains you fought,
How got you such fame? tell, I pray.”
“In my Ashantee campaign,” Lord Wolseley replied,
“I had made what cute Yanks call a ‘Ring,’
And, buttering all round from ‘the Duke’ to the ground,
Praised my friends that my praise they might sing.”
“You’re a Patron, Lord Wolseley,” the subaltern cried,
“Of a wine club, ‘The Vine,’ yet you say
The best soldier is he who drinks nothing but tea;