Wisdom from Almost a Century Ago -- Plus Ca Change

"Had he and I but met
By some old ancient inn,
We should have sat us down to wet
Right many a nipperkin
But ranged as infantry,
And staring face to face,
I shot him as he at me,
And killed him in his place.
I shot him dead because --
Because he was my foe,
Just so: my foe of course he was;
That's clear enough; although
He thought he'd 'list, perhaps
Off-hand-like -- just as I --
Was out of work -- had sold his traps -
No other reason why.
Yes; quaint and curious war is!
You shoot a fellow down
You'd treat if met where any bar is,
Or help to half-a-crown."

Thomas Hardy, "The Man He Killed", published 1909

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Thanks to my DD (darling daughter) ...