The Recruit

Bat and ball are there, lad, And you not there to play . . . 'There's a nobler game playing For English lads today.' And if your mates miss you As they are like to do? . . . 'If my mates were men, lad, They'd ha' 'listed too.' What will your dad say That is old and grey? . . . 'Oh, he'd give life and all, lad, To be young this day.' Was your mother not weeping As you marched away? . . . 'Ay, weeping she kissed me As a lad's mother may.' And what'll your girl say then That used to walk with you? . . . 'Perhaps she'll walk lonely For she loves me true.' 'But parents both and sweetheart, All have said the same - 'If you hadn't gone, lad, I'd ha' died for shame!''