Rudyard Kipling

«Barrack-Room Ballads». 1. To Thomas Atkins

  Prelude to “Barrack-Room Ballads” Which Follow

          I have made for you a song,
           And it may be right or wrong,
     But only you can tell me if it’s true;
           I have tried for to explain
           Both your pleasure and your pain,
     And, Thomas, here’s my best respects to you!
 
           O there’ll surely come a day
           When they'll give you all your pay,
     And treat you as a Christian ought to do;
           So, until that day comes round,
           Heaven keep you safe and sound,
     And, Thomas, here’s my best respects to you!