Majestic orbs, whose gilded obverse bore
The bossy symbol of his future corps.
The youth, ere sailing for a distant land,
Did, in the interval, receive command
[2] A last-joined young officer.—Military Definitions.
To join a 'Course,' where men of grave repute
Instruct the young idea how to shoot.
Thither he sped, and on the opening day
Rose, and, empanoplied in brave array,
(Ample of flowing skirt, and with great craft
And pomp of blazoned buttonry abaft)
Won to the mess, and preened his fledgling plumes
Both in the breakfast and the ante-rooms.
Awhile he moved in rapture, and awhile
Thrilled in the old, inevitable style
To that stern joy which youthful warriors feel
In wearing garments worthy of their zeal;
Then came the seneschal upon the scenes,
And knocked his infant pride to smithereens.