Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow:
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.
Paraphrase: The fourth stage is that of a soldier. This stage in full of strange oaths. He is attentive for honour. He is always ready to quarrel. He can even enter the mouth of cannons for temporary fame.
(a) Describe the two traits of a soldier.
(b) What is the poetic device used in: ‘bearded like a pard’?
(c) Why does the soldier risk his life and what for?
(a) A soldier is always ready to swear and is full of oaths. He is ever ready to compete for honour and glory.
(b) The poet uses a simile for comparison.
(c) The soldier risks his life a momentary reputation and is ready even to enter the cannon’s mouth.