Classic Poem

WRITTEN FOR RECITATION .

" To catch the manners living as they rise, "
Hath mark'd the conduct of the great and wise.
For this the painter's pencil, poet's pen,
Have fearless held the mirror up to men;
Folly and vice, with ready hand have shown,
Nor spar'd corruption, ev'n upon a throne.

Thus much premis'd, our soldiers we'll produce,
And bring the contrast forth for real use.

Equipt partout en militaire,
And free from tax, with powder'd hair,
Behold with fierce cockade, and fiercer stride,
A gallant captain, of the Mall the pride,
With glittering sword, well fasten'd to his side;
A sword contriv'd for honour and for shew...
One that disdains to touch the common crew;
For lo! its wearer sickens at the sight
Of blood, and hateth much the beastly fight:
As good as new it is, and bright as glass,
And polish'd like the candlesticks of brass,
Which oft' on mantle-piece, in brilliant row,
Are plac'd, not half so much for use as show.

With look important, and, like pert jack-daw,
When busily he hops from straw to straw,
Our hero see, with feather waving high,
The silly chat of coffee-house supply;
With martial oath each boy and waiter greet,
And strolling girls and aged watchmen beat.

In balls and powder he takes much delight...
I mean not balls and powder us'd in fight;
But the gay dance, where scented beau and belle,
In antic sports, and graceful steps excel,
Here all his warlike trappings meet the view,
And quite the little heart of little Miss subdue.
Constant behold him, at the Park and play,
His pretty form, and prettier dress display;
And thro' the Mall, link'd arm in arm, parade,
With some pert, fribbling brother of the trade;
There loud they laugh, and grin, and louder swear,
And skip, and strut, and ogle, lisp, and stare.

Oppos'd to such, the real soldier see,
From affectation and false splendor free,
Inur'd to toil, true courage marks the man,
He knows with force to combat, skill to plan;
He knows each tactic, each manaeuvre knows,
When to retreat aright, and when oppose;
Tranquil in danger...cool amidst the jar
Of troubled legions, and the rage of war;
Expert in council...ardent in the field,
In danger ready still the sword to wield.
Each fond affection vibrates thro' his heart,
The friend's, the father's and the husband's part,
Endearing, and endear'd, his mind sustains,
He lives alone to mitigate their pains;
To double all their happiness, and prove
That manly, valorous souls, are formed for love.

Above each party view, and trivial aim,
With conduct brave, consistent, and the same,
He goes through life, in war and peace, approv'd,
And dies lamented, honour'd, and belov'd.