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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ATKINS' by GEORGE MEREDITH

Poet Analysis

First Line: YONDER'S THE MAN WITH HIS LIFE IN HIS HAND
Last Line: Base to the ear as an ass's bray
Subject(s): SOLDIERS;

Yonder's the man with his life in his hand,
Legs on the march for whatever the land,
Or to the slaughter, or to the maiming,
Getting the dole of a dog for pay.
Laurels he clasps in the words 'duty done,'
England his heart under every sun:-
Exquisite humour! that gives him a naming
Base to the ear as an ass's bray.



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