[Illustration: _Johnny on Duty with his Chief._] This was an Honour rather unexpected, And John’s acknowledgments were not neglected. Congratulations flowed from all around-- Such follows favour, whensoe’er it’s found. What ever Way he did his Footsteps bend, Johnny was sure to meet a hearty Friend. I’m High in Luck, such Friendships do accrue me-- ‘But when I was Sub, why no one knew me.’ For John full well knew where the secret lay-- Those were the Friendships of a Prosperous Day. Prosperity, like Poverty, you’ll find. Holds a strange influence o’er the Human Mind. On Memory’s[42] Compass are so adverse set, Remember, and, Remember to forget. John knew his Friends, & at what price he bought ’em, So nods, and How d’ye’s, gave to all that sought ’em. Now smiling Spring (such are Poetic Styles) Saluted John with her effulgent Smiles: This led him to commence his Operations, To make, as Dad advised, his Observations. Though for an A. D. C. the Chief did take him, Neither his sense, or judgment did forsake him.[43] When his Bucephœlus he got astride ’Twas for more purposes than merely ride; Something picks up, which ever way he Steers, Making a proper use of Eyes, and Ears. Some Men have Eyes, and Ears, and yet you find They merely see the Day, and hear the Wind; But ask them, and ’tis plain they do not know What causes Light of Day, or Wind to Blow. John was a famous Horseman, and oft went With various Orders, by the Chieftain sent; Eager, and bold, he round the Country rode, True cut of Leicestershire, and Cattle good. At various times, with various Parties mixt, On different Objects his attention fixt; Saw all the Stations in his varying Courses, The Quarters, and Cantonments of the Forces; Artillery, Hospitals, Forage-yards, and Stores, Cavalry, Infantry, Light Troops, Caçadores; Made it his Business, took much pains and care To ascertain the State in which each were: Dined with the Great, and mingled with their Minions, Treasur’d their observations, and opinions. As in the World those know each other best Where much familiarity’s the Test, A shallow Rogue may secret up a Comment, Or free expression of unguarded Moment; But urged by vanity, he can’t be Mute, And blabs to shew he’s Clever and Acute. Then wiser Folks, with very little Pains, Will undermine his Head, and pick his Brains. John angled well, and to his fullest Wish, Lured with the small, and took the largest Fish: Nor slacked his search, nor object did forget, ’Till with rich Stores he’d fairly fill’d his Net.