University of Virginia Library

An vntrained Souldiour. 21.

A souldiour but skill, and an vntrain'd,
Is like a young Hound, or a Whelpe new wain'd,
That can not doe, when first hee falles to hunt,
Lay downe his Nose, as other Hounds are wont:
Nor put vpon a piece of Service, knoes
His Pike, nor Peece, nor Person, to dispose.
The manner of his March is like as whan
Tyr'd at the Plough, trudge home is seene a Man.
Hee beares his Blade, before his Bellie tyde,
For to bee sure, hee lose't not from his Syde.
His Pike hee lyke a Pyke-staffe lifts aloft,
As Boors their Bacon carrie, when it's coft:
And with a minicke minsing of his owne,
A kynde of Carriage, yet in Camps vnknowne.
Hee so presents his Peece, with speciall Grace,
Which makes his Fellowes flout him in the Face.
On goes his Arms, VVaste-coat-lyke, ore his Ears,
And hee his Murrion, lyke a Night-cap weares.
When to bee quarterd, to the Fielde hee's led,
As with his Bobbie hee lookes for his Bed.
And when prepar'd his Provant hee espyes,
Hee Kyte-like craving, for his Victualls cryes.
And ere he scarce be come, or knowne, he will
Wish to bee home, at's Mamie, or the Mill.
And hanging downe his Head, hee drouping goes,
As if hee had his Heart into his Hose.
And in his Hut, when hee to rest doth take him,
Hee sleeps, till Drums or deadlie Pellets wake him.
Thus hee himselfe hee carries, and descryes,
In all Imployments, in all Companies:
Till Martiall Discipline this Milk soppe raw,
Doe season and to vnderstanding draw.
A Cypher hee's, mongst Figures, and is nought,
Bot a Shadow, and not a Substance thought.