1             "Had he and I but met
2             By some old ancient inn,
3     We should have sat us down to wet
4             Right many a nipperkin!

5            "But ranged as infantry,
6             And staring face to face,
7     I shot at him as he at me,
8             And killed him in his place.

9            "I shot him dead because --
10           Because he was my foe,
11   Just so: my foe of course he was;
12           That's clear enough; although

13          "He thought he'd 'list, perhaps,
14           Off-hand like -- just as I --
15   Was out of work -- had sold his traps --
16           No other reason why.

17          "Yes; quaint and curious war is!
18           You shoot a fellow down
19   You'd treat if met where any bar is,
20           Or help to half-a-crown."

• Other poems by Thomas Hardy ...
• The poet's life and works ...

Composition Date:

not known.

Form:

abab.

4.

nipperkin: small amount of beer, wine, or liquor.

13.

'list: enlist.

15.

traps: belongings.

20.

crown: British coin worth five shillings or 60 pence.