<p><SPAN name="link2H_4_0028" id="link2H_4_0028"></SPAN></p>
<br/>
<h2> 'The Men that fought at Minden' </h2>
<p>A Song of Instruction<br/>
<br/>
The men that fought at Minden, they was rookies in their time—<br/>
So was them that fought at Waterloo!<br/>
All the 'ole command, yuss, from Minden to Maiwand,<br/>
They was once dam' sweeps like you!<br/>
<br/>
Then do not be discouraged, 'Eaven is your 'elper,<br/>
We'll learn you not to forget;<br/>
An' you mustn't swear an' curse, or you'll only catch it worse,<br/>
For we'll make you soldiers yet!<br/>
<br/>
The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad stocks beneath their chins,<br/>
Six inch 'igh an' more;<br/>
But fatigue it was their pride, and they would not be denied<br/>
To clean the cook-'ouse floor.<br/>
<br/>
The men that fought at Minden, they had anarchistic bombs<br/>
Served to 'em by name of 'and-grenades;<br/>
But they got it in the eye (same as you will by-an'-by)<br/>
When they clubbed their field-parades.<br/>
<br/>
The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad buttons up an' down,<br/>
Two-an'-twenty dozen of 'em told;<br/>
But they didn't grouse an' shirk at an hour's extry work,<br/>
They kept 'em bright as gold.<br/>
<br/>
The men that fought at Minden, they was armed with musketoons,<br/>
Also, they was drilled by 'alberdiers;<br/>
I don't know what they were, but the sergeants took good care<br/>
They washed be'ind their ears.<br/>
<br/>
The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad ever cash in 'and<br/>
Which they did not bank nor save,<br/>
But spent it gay an' free on their betters—such as me—<br/>
For the good advice I gave.<br/>
<br/>
The men that fought at Minden, they was civil—yuss, they was—<br/>
Never didn't talk o' rights an' wrongs,<br/>
But they got it with the toe (same as you will get it—so!)—<br/>
For interrupting songs.<br/>
<br/>
The men that fought at Minden, they was several other things<br/>
Which I don't remember clear;<br/>
But that's the reason why, now the six-year men are dry,<br/>
The rooks will stand the beer!<br/>
<br/>
Then do not be discouraged, 'Eaven is your 'elper,<br/>
We'll learn you not to forget;<br/>
An' you mustn't swear an' curse, or you'll only catch it worse,<br/>
For we'll make you soldiers yet!<br/>
<br/>
Soldiers yet, if you've got it in you—<br/>
All for the sake of the Core;<br/>
Soldiers yet, if we 'ave to skin you—<br/>
Run an' get the beer, Johnny Raw—Johnny Raw!<br/>
Ho! run an' get the beer, Johnny Raw!<br/></p>
<div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />
1 of 2
2 of 2
Previous
Next
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.