Punch/Volume 147/Issue 3826/Little and Good
Young Thompson was a bit too short, But hard as nails and level-headed,And in his soul the proper sort Of dogged pluck was deeply bedded;To join the ranks he almost ran, But saw the weedy supersede him;Though he was every inch a man, His country didn't need him.
He read each passionate appeal On wall and window, cab and cart;How impotent they made him feel! He tried once more, though sick at heart.In vain! He saw the sergeants smirk; He argued, but they wouldn't heed him;So sullenly trudged back to work— His country didn't need him.
But, now the standard height's curtailed, Again he goes to join the ranks;Though yesterday he tried and failed To-day they welcome him with thanks.Apparently he's just as small, But, since his size no more impedes him,In spirit he is six foot tall— Because his country needs him.