And Thespis like, from out his cart

Recited his extempore lays

On Eton’s sons, in costume smart,

Who told of captains bold and grand,

Lieutenants, marshals, seeking salt;

Of colonels, majors, cap in hand,

Who bade e’en majesty to halt;

Told how the ensign nobly waved

The colours on the famous hill;

And names from dull oblivion saved,