THE SOLDIER’S FAREWELL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3770, 10 September 1907, Page 4

THE SOLDIER’S FAREWELL.

An Incident of the Maori War.

A soldier from our gallant ranks lay dying in his tent, His comrades standing by could see his life was nearly spen.. They listened with an anxious ear to hear what he might say ; They kt ew 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 Littlejohn’s to get a decent shave. In da)*s gone by he cut my hair, made me look spruce and clean; And many a time in Littlejohn’s some splendid work I’ve seen. My father, who died long ago, far in a northern land, Had youth and beauty in his looks when shaved by Littlejohn’s hand. And mother dear —ah friends, she was the kindest of mammas — Would often say she loved the smell of Littlejohn’s cigars. She always gave us good advice—as only mothers can — And told us when we learnt to smoke that Littlejohn was the man Who sold the best tobacco, and did a roaring trade, And put the other shops in town completely in the shade. Tell her I did my duty well, and if her fond heart frets, Tell her I smoked my farewell smokewitb Littlejohn’s cigarettes. She’ll know that I obeyed her then, her fond heart cheer ; But give my love to Littlejohn, I camot linger here. I’m dying! Yes, I’m dying!” gasped the gallant hero, when He gently sighed and breathed his last amidst the bravest men. And when he reached the pearly St, Peter took his hand, ’mongst the angels ioremost stand. Patrick welcomed him he’d always stop, * knew that hero weed SHOP,