Explore "The Veteran" by Ambrose Bierce on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
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.