The Veteran

John Jackson, once a soldier bold,
  Hath still a martial feeling;
So, when he sees a foe, behold!
  He charges him⁠—with stealing.

He cares not how much ground to-day
  He gives for men to doubt him;
He’s used to giving ground, they say,
  Who lately fought with⁠—out him.

When, for the battle to be won,
  His gallantry was needed,
They say each time a loaded gun
  Went off⁠—so, likewise, he did.

And when discharged (for war’s a sport
  So hot he had to leave it)
He made a very loud report,
  But no one did believe it.