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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ARMS AND THE MAN by SIEGFRIED SASSOON

Poet Analysis

First Line: YOUNG CROESUS WENT TO PAY HIS CALL
Last Line: WILL CAPTAIN CROESUS COME THIS WAY?'
Subject(s): SOLDIERS; SOLDIERS' WRITINGS; WORLD WAR I; FIRST WORLD WAR;

YOUNG Croesus went to pay his call
On Colonel Sawbones, Caxton Hall:
And, though his wound was healed and mended,
He hoped he'd get his leave extended.

The waiting-room was dark and bare.
He eyed a neat-framed notice there
Above the fireplace hung to show
Disabled heroes where to go
For arms and legs; with scale of price,
And words of dignified advice
How officers could get them free.

Elbow or shoulder, hip or knee,
Two arms, two legs, though all were lost,
They'd be restored him free of cost.
Then a Girl Guide looked to say,
'Will Captain Croesus come this way?'




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