The Man He Killed

   "Had he and I but met
   By some old ancient inn,
We should have sat us down to wet
   Right many a nipperkin!

   "But ranged as infantry,
   And staring face to face,
I shot at him as he at me,
   And killed him in his place.

   "I shot him dead because--
   Because he was my foe,
Just so: my foe of course he was;
   That's clear enough; although
   
   "He thought he'd 'list, perhaps,
   Off-hand like--just as I--
Was out of work--had sold his traps--
   No other reason why.
   
   "Yes; quaint and curious war is!
   You shoot a fellow down
You'd treat if met where any bar is,
   Or help to half-a-crown."