THE SOLDIER’S FAREWELL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 24 August 1907, Page 3

THE SOLDIER’S FAREWELL.

An incident of the Maori War. ’f. f . -i _____ ; A soldier from our gallant ranks lay dying in his tent, His comrades standing by could see his life was nearly spent. They listened with an anxibus ear to hear what he might say ; They knew full well he would not live till dawned another day. “ Oh comrades,” said the dying man, ‘‘one last fond wish I crave; Do take me down to Eittlejohn’s to get a decent shave. In days gone by he cut ray hair/, made me look spruce and clean; And many a time in Eittlejohn’s some splendid work I’ve seen. My father, who died long ago, far in a northern land, Had youth and beauty in hj§ looks when shaved by Eittlej dhfi’s hand/ And mother dear —ah friends, she was the kindest of mammas—■ Would often say she loved the smell of Eittlejohn’s cigars. Sb'e-ahvays give ns good advice—as only rabjthers can — And told usAV-henwllearnt' to smoke that Littlejohn was the raaq ; Who sold the best tobacco, and did a roaring trade, And put the other shops in town completely in the shade. TellEer I did ray duty well, and Teib’lier 1 smoked my farewell smokewith Eittlejohn’s cigarettes. She’ll know that I obeyed;her then; it will her fond heart cheer ; But give ray love to Littlejohn, I cannot linger here. I’m dying! Yes, I’m dying!” gasped the,gallant herp; when He gently sighed andd?reatbed his last amidst the bravest men. And when he reached the pearly gates, St. Peter took his hand, And bid him ’mongst the angels to take a foremost stand. Gobdold St; Patrick welcbthe’d’him and hoped he’d always stop, For well he knew that hero brought some weed from LITTLEJOHN’S SHOP, Main Street, Foxton.