Classic Poem

Her father leaned, from th' first, to Cromwell's side,
And was a rank and stern republican:
But mine was a Cavalier,—one of those Spirits
Born in all ages for the help of thrones;
A careless fellow, somewhat poor in virtue,
Whose blazing honour lit a stormy life,
That spent its latest puff in loyalty.
He followed the first Charles, and fought at Worcester:
Faced death and danger; saw his master die;
And after sought his son. He was the life
O' the banished court; laugh'd, danced, and played o' the cittern;
And, when he died, left me a handsome sword;
Two suits of silk, a sentence for the king,
(In my behalf); and then set out on his journey,
To make good friends with Heaven's courtiers.