And it gave me heaps of chances of studying war technique.

"If they really thought to convert me by the loan of a khaki suit,

Or by conferring upon me the right to claim a salute,

It wouldn't at all surprise me, for dullards have always tried

To bribe true men of genius to take the popular side.

"Well, I went, I saw, I 'joy-rode,' and my verdict remains the same;

There's no use having a country unless she's always to blame;

For of all the appalling prospects that human life can lend

The worst is to be unable to play the candid friend.

"Men talk of France, the Martyr; of her precious blood outpoured;