Page:Ballads and Barrack-Room Ballads (1892).djvu/157

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
DANNY DEEVER
135
  They are hangin’ Danny Deever, you must mark ’im to ’is place,
  For ’e shot a comrade sleepin’—you must look ’im in the face;
  Nine ’undred of ’is county an’ the regiment’s disgrace,
  While they’re hangin’ Danny Deever in the mornin’.

‘What’s that so black agin the sun?’ said Files-on-Parade.
‘It’s Danny fightin’ ’ard for life,’ the Colour Sergeant said.
‘What’s that that whimpers over’ead?’ said Files-on-Parade.
‘It’s Danny’s soul that’s passin’ now,’ the Colour Sergeant said.
  For they’re done with Danny Deever, you can ’ear the quickstep play,
  The regiment’s in column, an’ they’re marchin’ us away;
  Ho! the young recruits are shakin’, an’ they’ll want their beer to-day,
  After hangin’ Danny Deever in the mornin’.