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!"