Having, at worst, retained my head intact.

SOPHIE and I have thought of you a lot

(We have so very few distractions here;

We chat about the weather, which is hot,

And then we turn to talk of your career);

For rumour says this bloody war will last

Until the Hohenzollerns get the boot;

And through my brain the bright idea has passed

That you had better do an early scoot.

Were it not wise, dear WILLIAM, ere the day