Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE RECRUITING SERGEANT'S SONG, by DAVID MALLET


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE RECRUITING SERGEANT'S SONG, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Adieu! For a while, to the town and its trade
Last Line: "live but for their country and king!'"
Alternate Author Name(s): Malloch, David
Subject(s): Patriotism


"Adieu! for a while, to the town and its trade!
Adieu! to the meadow and rake!
Our country, my boys, calls aloud for our aid;
And shall we that country forsake?

It never was known, that true hearts like our own,
From hardships, or hazards would flinch!
Let our foes then unite! We will show them in fight
What Britons can do at a pinch!

A slave may he be! who will not agree
To join with his neighbours, and sing,
'That the brave and the free (such, Britons!) are we!
Live but for their country and king!'"





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net