 | Three Hundred Sonnets |  |
182
ARMY PURCHASE.
If only merit ever should prevail,And birth and money take their lower seat,
(Unless deserving too, as is most meet,)
If ever zeal and prowess should not fail
Of honour and promotion and command,
They ought to help the Soldier: in his hand
The country's welfare, glory, and defence
Bound up like fasces round the colours stand:
But, outraging both right and common sense,
Merit with us is nothing; cash and friends,
And years, produce our chieftains rich and old;
While the poor gentleman, whom England sends
To guard the right amid Crimean cold,
Is crushed beneath the Mammon he defends.
| Three Hundred Sonnets | |