The Sergeant's Wedding
The Sergeant's Wedding - meaning Summary
Mocking Military Marriage
A collective, mocking voice narrates a sergeant’s marriage as a moment of gossip and ironic celebration. The speakers insist both bride and groom ignored warnings, call the sergeant a rogue who profited dishonestly, and paint the wedding as a sham—pageantry, awkward gestures, and forced cheers conceal resentment and scores to settle. The poem exposes communal judgment, military camaraderie, and the gap between public ceremony and private contempt.
Read Complete Analyses'E was warned agin' 'er -- That's what made 'im look; She was warned agin' 'im -- That is why she took. 'Wouldn't 'ear no reason, 'Went an' done it blind; We know all about 'em, They've got all to find! Cheer for the Sergeant's weddin' -- Give 'em one cheer more! Grey gun-'orses in the lando, An' a rogue is married to, etc. What's the use o' tellin' 'Arf the lot she's been? 'E's a bloomin' robber, An' 'e keeps canteen. 'Ow did 'e get 'is buggy? Gawd, you needn't ask! 'Made 'is forty gallon Out of every cask! Watch 'im, with 'is 'air cut, Count us filin' by -- Won't the Colonel praise 'is Pop -- u -- lar -- i -- ty! We 'ave scores to settle -- Scores for more than beer; She's the girl to pay 'em -- That is why we're 'ere! See the chaplain thinkin'? See the women smile? Twig the married winkin' As they take the aisle? Keep your side-arms quiet, Dressin' by the Band. Ho! You 'oly beggars, Cough be'ind your 'and! Now it's done an' over, 'Ear the organ squeak, "'Voice that breathed o'er Eden" -- Ain't she got the cheek! White an' laylock ribbons, Think yourself so fine! I'd pray Gawd to take yer 'Fore I made yer mine! Escort to the kerridge, Wish 'im luck, the brute! Chuck the slippers after -- [Pity 'tain't a boot!] Bowin' like a lady, Blushin' like a lad -- 'Oo would say to see 'em Both is rotten bad? Cheer for the Sergeant's weddin' -- Give 'em one cheer more! Grey gun-'orses in the lando, An' a rogue is married to, etc.
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