Classic Poem

When I come back to England,
And times of Peace come round,
I'll surely have a shilling,
And maybe have a pound.
I'll walk the whole town over,
And who shall say me nay,
For I'm a British soldier
With a British soldier's pay.

I only joined for fun,
Never joined for profit—
The Army pay is good,
But, God! there's little of it.

When I come back to England
I won't be half a swell—
Ribbons for the scrapping
At Loos and New Chapelle.
I'll search the whole town over
To find another trade,
And be a blooming boot-black
On Charing Cross parade.

I will not leave for fun—
The change will bring me profit.
The Army pay is good,
But, God! there's little of it.