Then a soldier. Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard, Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation. Even in the cannon’s mouth.
(a) What does the poet mean by ‘pard’?
(b) Describe the characteristics of a soldier.
© Why has reputation been- described as ‘bubble’? What is ironical about a soldier dying for it?
(a) ‘Pard’ means ‘leopard’.
(b) The soldier is foul mouthed and short-tempered. He picks up quarrels for the smallest reasons and is willing to die for the sake of his honour.
© Reputation is just like a bubble because it is transitory in nature. The irony is that the soldier does not survive to enjoy the reputation he has defended.