THE SOLDIER’S FAREWELL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3771, 12 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 spent. They listened with an anxious 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 Tittlejohn’s to get a decent shave. In days gone by he cut my hair, made me look spruce and clean; And many a time in Littlejohn’s some splendid work I’ve seem 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 whenwe 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 smokewith Littlejohn’s cigarettes. She’ll know that I obeyed her then, it will her fond heart cheer ; But give my love to Littlejohn, I cannot 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 gates, St. Peter took his hand, And bid him ’mongst the angels to take a foremost stand. Good old St. Patrick welcomed him and hoped he’d always stop, For well he knew that hero brought some weed from ■ SHOP,