The Men that Fought at Minden

1 
The men that fought at Minden, they was rookies in their time –
 So was them that fought at Waterloo!
All the 'ole command, yuss, from Minden to Maiwand,
 They was once dam' sweeps like you! 
2 
Then do not be discouraged, 'Eaven is your 'elper,
 We'll learn you not to forget;
An' you mustn't swear an' curse, or you'll only catch it worse,
 For we'll make you soldiers yet! 
3 
The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad stocks beneath their chins,
 Six inch 'igh an' more;
But fatigue it was their pride, and they would not be denied
 To clean the cook-'ouse floor. 
4 
The men that fought at Minden, they had anarchistic bombs
 Served to 'em by name of 'and-grenades;
But they got it in the eye (same as you will by-an'-by)
 When they clubbed their field-parades. 
5 
The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad buttons up an' down,
 Two-an'-twenty dozen of 'em told;
But they didn't grouse an' shirk at an hour's extry work,
 They kept 'em bright as gold. 
6 
The men that fought at Minden, they was armed with musketoons,
 Also, they was drilled by 'alberdiers;
I don't know what they were, but the sergeants took good care
 They washed be'ind their ears. 
7 
The men that fought at Minden, they 'ad ever cash in 'and
 Which they did not bank nor save,
But spent it gay an' free on their betters – such as me –
 For the good advice I gave. 
8 
The men that fought at Minden, they was civil – yuss, they was –
 Never didn't talk o' rights an' wrongs,
But they got it with the toe (same as you will get it – so!) –
 For interrupting songs. 
9 
The men that fought at Minden, they was several other things
 Which I don't remember clear;
But that's the reason why, now the six-year men are dry,
 The rooks will stand the beer!
10 
Then do not be discouraged, 'Eaven is your 'elper,
 We'll learn you not to forget;
An' you mustn't swear an' curse, or you'll only catch it worse,
 For we'll make you soldiers yet! 
11 
Soldiers yet, if you've got it in you –
 All for the sake of the Core;
Soldiers yet, if we 'ave to skin you –
 Run an' get the beer, Johnny Raw – Johnny Raw!
 Ho! run an' get the beer, Johnny Raw! 

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