` Let the Gods order it . I have never pestered Them with prayers . I do not think They will pester me . Look you , I have noticed in my long life that those who eternally break in upon Those Above with complaints and reports and bellowings and weepings are presently sent for in haste , as our Colonel used to send for slack-jawed down-country men who talked too much . No , I have never wearied the Gods . They will remember this , and give me a quiet place where I can drive my lance in the shade , and wait to welcome my sons : I have no less than three Rissaldar -- majors all -- in the regiments . ' ` And they likewise , bound upon the Wheel , go forth from life to life -- from despair to despair , ' said the lama below his breath , ` hot , uneasy , snatching . ' ` Ay , ' the old soldier chuckled . ` Three Rissaldar -- majors in three regiments . Gamblers a little , but so am I . They must be well mounted ; and one can not take the horses as in the old days one took women . Well , well , my holding can pay for all . How thinkest thou ? It is a well-watered strip , but my men cheat me . I do not know how to ask save at the lance 's point . Ugh ! I grow angry and I curse them , and they feign penitence , but behind my back I know they call me a toothless old ape . ' ` Hast thou never desired any other thing ? ' ` Yes -- yes -- a thousand times ! A straight back and a close-clinging knee once more ; a quick wrist and a keen eye ; and the marrow that makes a man .
Oh , the old XXXXX -- the good days of my strength ! '
Ay Rissaldar bellowings curse days lama majors penitence strip weepings