Thomas Hardy
“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.”
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