Vulgar curiosity

Urging him to ask the reason

Why, both in and out of season;

'Twas but keenness; all he lacked

Was a saving sense of tact.

Once the Lieut. of Ernie's watch,

Dour, meticulous and Scotch,

Thought he'd show the timid snotty

(Newly joined) exactly what he

Wanted when inspecting men.