Black Beetles in Amber

Dawn heralded the coming sun—

Fort Douglas was computing

The minutes—and the sunrise gun

Was manned for his saluting.

The gunner at that firearm stood,

The which he slowly loaded,

When, bang!—I know not how it could,

But sure the charge exploded!

Yes, to that veteran's surprise

The gun went off sublimely,

And both his busy arms likewise

Went off with it, untimely.

Then said that gunner to his mate

(He was from Ballyshannon):

"Bedad, the sun's a minute late,

Accardin' to this cannon!"