Better Gutenberg
Free, beautifully formatted public-domain ebooks
‹Better GutenbergWessex PoemsThe Sergeant’s Song (1803) · 19 of 48Contents›

Wessex Poems

by Thomas Hardy

19 of 48 · Contents · Download EPUB

The Sergeant’s Song (1803)

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.

← Back to Wessex Poems

Scroll to Top