Page:Modern literature (1804 Volume 1).djvu/100

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especially the veteran halberdier, which, on any other occasion, the vicar would probably have reproved; but his heart now so overflowed, that he readily forgave the effect arising from the over-*flowings of his cellar.

Maxwell, in his cups, descanted on the soldier's character, and especially the superior success of military men among the ladies. On that topic he sang as well as he could, the famous song of Dumbarton's drums, dwelling with peculiar emphasis on the verse—

"A soldier alone can delight me O,
His manly looks do invite me O, &c."

As several young neighbours were present, a dance was proposed, and towards the close, Maxwell, who at the beginning had refreshed himself with a nap, proposed to the company to dance a hornpipe: the Dusty Miller was at-