THE RED FOOTBALL

Waikato Times, Volume 89, Issue 13887, 12 October 1918, Page 7

THE RED FOOTBALL

[Mr .lames Campnell (the Times correspondent with the French army) compares Generals Humbert, .Maiigin, hrbency ami Bertfielot to a quartet of clever foothallers, dodging, feinting and rushing, according to the ladies "I Ihi'ir opponents, hut always playing inlo each other's hands.] When the British go up to battle, iloiid soldiers and s]Mirtsmen all, As they f; the co!Tei'-niill's rattle, Some brave lad throws in a ball; And Ihey dribble j| up |,. tin- wire When- the Boche lurks dirtv and low, \nd into the hearl of the fire The soldiers and football go. Then brave young lives on the alter '»f the Herman War Hod fall: l!'.i! Ho y Ip.ng no| hack nor falter, Tlii-> follow, follow the hall: Though stark may a player lurry—• I'air resl ror a gallant soul! His fellow forwards will carry The hall to the Herman goal. The game's in ils final quarter. And the beaten tram of the Hun Heels I.ark. dismayed with the slaughter, And Hie score is at ten to none; \nd still do our forwards follow The ball at the close of the play, And the Boche has some dirt to swallow In the dusk of his blood-red day. Now clear through the shattered masses Hf the backward-reeling foe, Brave Mangin to Humbert passes. And Humbert to Berthelot. Oh, cheer! for the home team's winning: Soon the whistle will end it all. For the ball to the touch-line's spinning, And the Boche—the Boche is the ball.