THE SOLDIER’S FAREWELL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3774, 19 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 spem. They listened with an anxious ear to hear what he might say ; They kr.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 Rittlejohn’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 Eittleiohn’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 Eittlejohn’s hand. And mother dear—ah friends, she was the kindest of mammas— Would often say she loved the smell of Eittlejohn’s cigars; She always gave us good advice—as only mothers can— And told us when we learnt to smoke that Eittlejohn 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 Ifittlejohn’s cigarettes. She’ll know that I obeyed her then, it will her fond heart cheer ; But give my love to Eittlejohn, I cannot linger here. I’m dying! Yes, T’ra 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, Jfor well he knew that hero L brought some weed from DITTEEJOHN’S shop, Main Street, Poston.,