Though whenever these officers came on parade,
They shivered and shook in their shoes.
"No doubt we deserve it—no mercy we crave—
Go on—you're conferring a boon;
We would rather be slanged by a warrior brave
Than praised by a wretched poltroon!"
Makredi would say that in battle's fierce rage
True happiness only was met:
Poor Major Makredi, though fifty his age,