Old Soldier

Once, gay in life, and free from anxious care, I through the furrows drove the shining share— I saw my waving fields with plenty crown'd, And yellow Ceres, joyous, smile around; 'Till rous'd by freedom at my country's call, I left my peaceful home, and gave up all. Now forc'd, alas! to beg my hard-earn'd bread, This crazy body longs to join the dead: Ungrateful country! when the danger's o'er, Your bravest sons cold charity implore.

Children of wealth, in downy pleasure bred, Pamper'd in ease, by fav'ring fortune fed; Who view with thoughtless eye the humble poor, That glean their scanty meals from door to door; Ah! heave for me a sympathetic sigh, And wipe the falling tear from sorrow's eye.