And paid his humble duty at the Levee:

He knew full well the miserable chance

Subs in the Line had ever to advance;

He had strong claims to urge in his behalf,

A Guardsman was a Passport to the Staff.

A Captain now, he look’d for Higher Rank,

And knew th’ influence of his Father’s Bank.

But all in vain, the odious Regulation

That fix’d the time of service to each Station,

His object check’d; altho’ in his behest