Versos English Anonymous BALLAD. (When in order drawn up, and adorn'd…)

English poem

BALLAD. (When in order drawn up, and adorn'd…)

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When in order drawn up, and adorn'd in his best, If my soldier appears with more grace than the rest, If his gaiters are jet, his accoutrements fine, If his hair's tied up tight, and his arms brightly shine,

Let him turn, wheel, or face, march, kneel, stoop, or stand, Anxious still to obey every word of command; Erect like an arrow, or bending his knee, 'Tis not for the general, 'tis all to please me.

If with smoke and with dust cover'd over by turns, To gain a sham height, or false bastion he burns; If of danger in spight, and regardless of fear, He rushes to fight when there's nobody near:

In short, let him turn, &c.