Then a soldier, Full of strange oaths and bearded like the par Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel

Question

Read the following stanzas given below and answer the questions that follow each :

Then a soldier,

Full of strange oaths and bearded like the par

Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel

Seeking the bubble reputation

Even in the Cannon’* mouth,

(i) Why does a soldier take strange oaths?

(ii) What is the appearance of a soldier?

(iii) Which thing is very dear to the soldier?

(iv) What is the chief aim of soldier’* life?

Answer 1

(i) While accepting the commission in Army, a soldier takes many oaths indifferent languages. He swears to show the feelings of patriotism, honour and dedication for his nation.He swears that he would defend his country at the cost of his life.

(ii) A Soldier, due to remaining far from his house for a long time, has a rough and shabby appearance. He keeps dense and rough beard and moustache.

(iii) A Soldier is very fond of his honour. He is always ready to defend it. Whenever it comes to his notice that his honour is being attacked or even fingered at in the least, he becomes ready to pick up a quarrel.

(iv) The chief aim of soldier’* life is to gain name and fame which, very short-lived, is all in all to him and for which he is ever ready to risk his life.