‘A Badge of Merit,[108] my dear Boy d’ye see,
‘Is a fine Ornament, ’twixt you and me;
‘’Twill look so grand, you know, hung at your button,
‘When you Reg’mentals condescend to put on.’
‘Such Ornaments, dear Dad, I’d fain not reap,
‘Desert, and Interest no distinction keep;
‘That bane to Justice, we must all deplore,
‘Merit does much, but interest does much more.’
And now friend John more Honours did obtain,