‘Good-morning; good-morning!' the General said
When we met him last week on our way to the line.
Now the soldiers he smiled at are most of 'em dead,
And we're cursing his staff for incompetent swine.
‘He's a cheery old card,' grunted Harry to Jack
This “line” emphasises the chasm between the general and his soldiers. He greets his subordinates spiritedly, but only as they move past him and closer to the line of fire. There is no true communication.
The General