History & Politics

The Sergeant’s Song

by Thomas Hardy 1840–1928

From Wessex Poems and Other Verses

History & PoliticsSocial Commentaries

WHEN Lawyers strive to heal a breach,
And Parsons practise what they preach;
Then Little Boney he’ll pounce down,
And march his men on London town!
Rollicum-rorum, tol-lol-lorum,
Rollicum-rorum, tol-lol-lay!

When Justices hold equal scales,
And Rogues are only found in jails;
Then Little Boney he’ll pounce down,
And march his men on London town!
Rollicum-rorum, &c.

When Rich Men find their wealth a curse,
And fill therewith the Poor Man’s purse;
Then Little Boney he’ll pounce down,
And march his men on London town!
Rollicum-rorum, &c.

When Husbands with their Wives agree,
And Maids won’t wed from modesty;
Then Little Boney he’ll pounce down,
And march his men on London town!
Rollicum-rorum, tol-tol-lorum,
Rollicum-rorum, tol-lol-lay!

1878.

Published in “The Trumpet-Major,” 1880.

[Picture: Sketch of cannons overlooking a town]

✦ ✦ ✦

(1803)

MLA

Hardy, Thomas. “The Sergeant’s Song.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/hardy/894/.

Chicago

Hardy, Thomas. “The Sergeant’s Song.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/hardy/894/.

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