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The Man He Killed; By Thomas Hardy
The Man He Killed; By Thomas Hardy "Had he and I but met By some old ancient inn, We should have sat us down to wet Right many a nipperkin!
"But ranged as infantry, And staring face to face, I shot at him as he at me, And killed him in his place.
"I shot him dead because-- Because he was my foe, Just so: my foe of course he was; That's clear enough; although "He thought he'd 'list, perhaps, Off-hand like--just as I-- Was out of work--had sold his traps-- No other reason why. "Yes; quaint and curious war is! You shoot a fellow down You'd treat if met where any bar is, Or help to half-a-crown."
If he and I had met At some old inn, We would have sat down to have a drink Many a small drink!
But as soldiers, Facing each other, I shot at him as he shot at me, And killed him there.
I shot him dead because— Because he was my enemy, Just so: he was my enemy; That's clear enough; although
He thought he'd enlist, maybe, Casually—just like me— Was out of work—had sold his stuff— No other reason why.
Yes; war is strange and odd! You shoot a man down You'd treat if met at a bar, Or help with a bit of money.