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
Offhand 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