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Title: The Veteran
Author: Bill o'th' Hoylus End [
More Titles by Bill o'th' Hoylus End]
I left yon fields so fair to view;
I left yon mountain pass and peaks;
I left two een so bonny blue,
A dimpled chin and rosy cheeks.
For an helmet gay and suit o' red
I did exchange my corduroy;
I mind the words the Sergeant said,
When I in sooth was but a boy.
"Come, rouse my lad, be not afraid;
Come, join and be a brave dragoon:
You'll be well clothed, well kept, well paid,
To captain be promoted soon.
Your sweetheart, too, will smile to see
Your manly form and dress so fine;
Give me your hand and follow me,--
Our troop's the finest in the line.
"The pyramids beheld our corps
Drive back the mighty man of Fate!
Our ire is felt on every shore,
In every country, clime, or state.
The Cuirassiers at Waterloo
We crushed;--they were the pride of France!
At Inkerman, with sabre true,
We broke the Russ and Cossack lance!
"Then come, my lad, extend your hand,
Tame indolence I hold it mean;
Now follow me, at the command,
Of our Most Gracious Sovereign Queen!
A prancing steed you'll have to ride;
A bonny plume will deck your brow;
With clinking spurs and sword beside,--
Come! here's the shilling: take it now!"
The loyal pledge I took and gave,--
It was not for the silver coin;
I wished to cross the briny wave,
And England's gallant sons to join.
Since--many a summer's sun has set,
An' time's graved-care is on my brow,
Yet I am free and willing yet
To meet old England's daring foe.
[The end]
Bill o'th' Hoylus End's poem: Veteran
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