| Citation |
MG-A(G.750.029
19 Dec 1750:11,12,21 (295)
. . . [76 lines of an account of Hannah Snell, the female
soldier] Here the captain being on shore, one night on her
watch, Mr. Allen, who had the command of the ship, desired
her to sing; she excused herself as not being well; but he
absolutely commanding her to sing, she as absolutely
refused, alleging, that to sing was no part of a soldier's
duty, and he had no authority to require it. . . [48
additional lines recounting her adventures].
For a supply of ready money, she has been induced to sing
a song, and perform the military exercise at Goodman's
Fields-Wells; which is alluded to in the conclusion of the
following verses, publish'd about her.
THE FEMALE SOLDIER
Hannah in breeks behav'd so well,
That none her sister sex could tell:
Nor was her policy confounded,
When near the mark of nature wounded:
. . . [16 lines]
'Twas thought Achilles' greatest glory,
That Homer rose to sing his story:
And Alexander mourn'd his lot,
That no such bard could then be got.
But Hannah's praise no Homer needs;
She lives to sing her proper deeds.
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