Verses 1889-1896

THE SERGEANT'S WEDDIN'

  'E was warned agin' 'er —
   That's what made 'im look;
  She was warned agin' 'im —
   That is why she took.
  'Wouldn't 'ear no reason,
   'Went an' done it blind;
  We know all about 'em,
   They've got all to find!

       Cheer for the Sergeant's weddin' —
       Give 'em one cheer more!
       Grey gun-'orses in the lando,
       An' a rogue is married to, etc.

  What's the use o' tellin'
   'Arf the lot she's been?
  'E's a bloomin' robber,
   An'' 'e keeps canteen.
  'Ow did 'e get 'is buggy?
   Gawd, you needn't ask!
  'Made 'is forty gallon
   Out of every cask!

  Watch 'im, with 'is 'air cut,
   Count us filin' by —
  Won't the Colonel praise 'is
   Pop — u — lar — i — ty!
  We 'ave scores to settle —
   Scores for more than beer;
  She's the girl to pay 'em —
   That is why we're 'ere!

  See the chaplain thinkin'?
   See the women smile?
  Twig the married winkin'
   As they take the aisle?
  Keep your side-arms quiet,
   Dressin' by the Band.
  Ho!  You 'oly beggars,
   Cough be'ind your 'and!

  Now it's done an' over,
   'Ear the organ squeak,
  “'Voice that breathed o'er Eden” —
   Ain't she got the cheek!
  White an' laylock ribbons,
   Think yourself so fine!
  I'd pray Gawd to take yer
   'Fore I made yer mine!

  Escort to the kerridge,
   Wish 'im luck, the brute!
  Chuck the slippers after —
   [Pity 'tain't a boot!]
  Bowin' like a lady,
   Blushin' like a lad —
  'Oo would say to see 'em
   Both is rotten bad?

       Cheer for the Sergeant's weddin' —
        Give 'em one cheer more!
       Grey gun-'orses in the lando,
        An' a rogue is married to, etc.