 |
 |
|||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
1813.4
The British Soldier [1]
“S. W. X. Z.”
The European Magazine, LXIII (April, 1813), p. 319
"Chide not my chief, the gallant soldier cries,
"Knit not your brows, oh cast that frown away;
"Your wishes to my feelings sacrifice,
"Nor harshly judge me if I disobey.
"Oh, I have seen the day when thousands fell,
"Have join'd in th' inspiring battle cry;
"These scars, more eloquent than words, can tell
"I did my part towards the victory.
"Then pardon, chieftain, if this once I dare,
"Refuse performing the too harsh decree;
"Oh pardon then, and in my feelings share,
"Unsoldier like I am, unchristian cannot be."
He ceas'd, his leader felt as soldiers ought,
Felt all his words, and all his feelings priz'd;
He knew him brave, he knew how he had fought,
And with his generous feelings sympathized.
He saw beneath a rough war-beaten form,
Nature's affections, and best virtue lie;
Honour and pity, valour, truth, inborn,
The soldier's courage, christian's charity.
He saw, and anger from his bosom flew,
He could not punish, where reward was due.
February 7th, 1813.