MY RIFLE
SOME MAXIMS OF SERGEANT J. CALLARY
To the humour, and the good humour, of the genial sergeant I owe it that the period of my early drilling, which might thinkably have been a time of deadly dullness, afforded me much entertainment, as well as not a little valuable instruction. The sergeant was always at his best in dilating upon the virtues of the rifle, and the necessity for treating it with respect.
I'm the Soldier's surest friend:
I will neither break nor bend.
I will neither break nor bend.
Straight and sterling, tried and true;
You keep me and I'll keep you.
You keep me and I'll keep you.
Bolt and barrel, butt and band;
Caress me with a careful hand.
Caress me with a careful hand.
Stock and swivel, sling and sight;
Rub me down, and keep me right.
Rub me down, and keep me right.
Striker, trigger, cocking-piece;
Give 'em all some elbow-grease.
Give 'em all some elbow-grease.
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