You may talk o' gin and beer When you're quartered safe out 'ere, An' you're sent to penny-fights an' Aldershot it; But when it comes to slaughter You will do your work on water, An' you'll lick the bloomin' boots of 'im that's got it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Kipling contrasts safe talk of drink with the reality of battle, showing soldiers must submit to authority when facing death.
- In plain terms
- Soldiers may drink safely at home but must obey orders when fighting.
- What can you take from it?
- Comradery and discipline are required in times of war.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What binds people together in crisis?
- Is obedience always justified in danger?
Another view
It glorifies military obedience which can lead to harmful orders.
More from Rudyard Kipling
For you all love the screw-guns the screw-guns they all love you! So when we take tea with a few guns, o' course you will know what to do - hoo! hoo! Jest send…
Permalink to quote #26 So I'll meet 'im later on At the place where 'e is gone - Where it's always double drill and no canteen. 'E'll be squattin' on the coals Givin' drink to poor d…
Permalink to quote #28 So 'ere's to you, Fuzzy-Wuzzy, at your 'ome in the Soudan; You're a pore benighted 'eathen but a first-class fightin' man.
Permalink to quote #25
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