THOMAS OF THE LIGHT HEART.
["The Cologne Gazette" tells us that we are lacking in understanding of the high seriousness of the war; that we use sporting expressions about it. "The Times," referring to this criticism, points out that, though we do not pretend, like the Germans, to make a religion of war, our sporting instinct at least enables us to recognise that to draw the sword on women and children is "not cricket."]
FACING the guns he jokes as well As any Judge upon the Bench: Between the crash of shell and shell His laughter rings along the trench; He seems immensely tickled by a Projectile which he calls a "Black Maria." At intervals when work is slack He kicks a leather ball about; Recalls old tales of wing and back The Villa's rush the Rover's rout; Or lays a tenner to a pup On Albion (not "perfidious") for the Cup. He whistles down the day-long road And when the chilly shadows fall And heavier hangs the weary load Is he down-hearted? Not at all. 'Tis then he takes a light and airy View of the tedious route to Tipperary. His songs are not exactly hymns; He never learned them in the choir; And yet they brace his dragging limbs Although they miss the sacred fire; Although his choice and cherished gems Do not include "The Watch upon the Thames." He takes to fighting as a game; He does no talking, through his hat, Of holy missions; all the same He has his faith, be sure of that He'll not disgrace his sporting breed Nor play what isn't cricket. there's his creed. From: Punch October 14, 1914