And marched with soldier-like erected crest:
Nor sign of ev’n loquacious age he wore,
Save when he told his life’s adventures o’er;
Some tired of these; for terms to him were dear
Too tactical by far for vulgar ear;
As when he talked of rampart and ravine,
And trenches fenced with gabion and fascine—
But when his theme possessed him all and whole,
He scorned proud puzzling words and warmed the soul;
Hushed groups hung on his lips with fond surprise,