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Abdul, The Bulbul Ameer

 
The sons of the Prophet are hardy and bold
And quite unaccustomed to fear-
But of all, the most reckless of life or of limb
Was Abdul, the Bulbul Ameer.
When they wanted a man to encourage the van
Or to shout "Hul-la-loo!" in the rear
Or to storm a redoubt, they straightaway sent out
For Abdul, the Bulbul Ameer.
There are heroes in plenty and well-known to fame
In the ranks that are led by the Czar
But the bravest of all was the man with the name
Of Ivan Skavinski Skavar.
He could imitate Irving, play euchre or pool,
And perform on the Spanish guitar.
In fact, quite the cream of the Muscovite team,
Was Ivan Skavinski Skavar
One morning the Russian had shouldered his gun,
And put on his most cynical sneer,
When, going down town, he happened to run
Into Abdul the Bulbul Ameer
Said the Bulbul, "Young man, is existence so dull 
That you're anxious to end your career? 
For, infidel, know that you've trod on the toe 
Of Abdul, the Bulbul Ameer." 
Said the Russian, "My friend, your remarks in the end 
Will prove only futile, I fear 
For I mean to imply you are going to die 
Mr. Abdul, the Bulbul Ameer." 
The Bulbul so bold, swore a swear, it is said, 
Which brought people in crowds from afar 
Then, fiercely intent upon slaughter, he went 
For Ivan Skavinski Skavar. 
But just as his knife was ending his life 
In fact, he had shouted "Huzza!" 
He felt himself struck by that subtle Calmuck 
Bold Ivan Skavinski Skavar. 
When the Sultan rode up the disturbance to quell 
Or to give to the victor the cheer, 
He arrived just in time to take hasty farewell 
Of Abdul, the Bulbul Ameer. 
There's la grave where the wave of the Danube doth roll 
And on it, engraven so clear 
Is, "Stranger, remember to pray for the soul 
Of Abdul the Bulbul Ameer." 
But a Muscovite maiden her vigil doth keep 
In her home 'neath the cold northern star 
And the name she so tenderly murmurs in sleep 
Is "Ivan Skavinski Skavar."