NOR, indeed, are the few following verses altogether
impertinent, as they truly describe the generous and
humane spirit which is inseparable from the British
Soldier, and which the Poem we criticise has so
falsely impeached.
AFTER the fatigues of the siege of
Louisbourg, says
the British GENERAL to the Soldiery ;
280 YOU whom the duties of the day can spare,
In manly mirth the grateful banquet share,
Nor bids your CHIEF refrain the Rustick's toil,
What gen'rous Victor stains his hand with spoil
!
A deed so base may suit the armed slave,
285 But piteous pillage misbecomes the brave.
The GENERAL thus, the Troops in shouts reply,
The echoing plaudit thunders to the sky.
AND afterwards he thus describeth the sobriety
of
their Festival ;
400 THE genial supper spreads the unsully'd
green,
The bowl convivial crowns the festive scene,
In pleasing talk the guiltless eve they pass,
In social circles on the fragrant grass,
'Till