Alpha--Omega

Curly head, and laughing eyes,-- Mischief that all blame defies.

Cricket,--footer,--Eton-jacket,-- Everlasting din and racket.

Tennis,--boating,--socks and ties,-- Tragedies,--and comedies.

Business,--sobered,--getting on,-- One girl now,--The Only One.

London Scottish,--sporran,--kilt,-- Bonnet cocked at proper tilt.

Dies Irae!--Off to France,-- Lord,--a safe deliverance!

Deadly work,--foul gases,--trenches; Naught that radiant spirit quenches.

Letters dated "Somewhere--France,"-- Mud,--and grub,--and no romance.

Hearts at home all on the quiver, Telegrams make backbones shiver.

Silence!--Feverish enquiry;-- Dies Irae!--Dies Irae!

His the joy,--and ours the pain, But, ere long, we'll meet again.

Not too much we'll sorrow--for It's both "à Dieu!" and "au revoir!"