Versos English John Cunningham A Character

English poem

A Character

by (1501–1591)

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The muse of a soldier so whimsical sings, He's captain at once to four different kings; And tho' in their battles he boldly behaves, To their queen's he's a cull, and a dupe to their knaves; Whilst others are cheerfully join'd in the chace, Young Hobbinol's hunting the critical ace: On feasts or on fasts, tho' the parson exclaim, Under hedges or haycocks he'll stick to his game. Yet the priest cannot say he's quite out of his fold, For he's always at church—when a tythe's to be sold.