_A Colonel laments the disappearance of the Rupee, and shows how,
whenever he had a step up in his Regiment (each time growing in
importance and having more calls on his purse), the Rupee at once took
a step down, decreasing in importance and reputation._
[Illustration: I.—SUBALTERN.]
As a “Sub,” free from family ties,
With constant “fivers” from the Pater,
The Rupee I thought a goodly size,
Though once its value was much greater.
[Illustration: II.—CAPTAIN.]
Raised to Captain’s rank, it so fell out
I fell in love with the Station belle,[1]
Got spliced; the Rupee, at once, no doubt,
In spite, not in love, but value fell.
[Illustration: III.—MAJOR.]
Children came, money went, all U P,
I thought, when promotion brought more pay
(What luck!); but that slippery Rupee
Decreased more visibly from that day.
[Illustration: IV.—COLONEL.]
Cramming! Schooling! Bills by every post!
But now, as Colonel, I think I see
My way; but I count without my host.
Vanished, like a ghost, has the Rupee!
[Footnote 1: By this I do not mean the Barmaid who presides over the
stale buns at our Railway Refreshment-room; I refer to the prettiest
girl at the Military Station where I was quartered.]
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