Sergeant monologue — Wallenstein's Camp: A Play

Now, hark to an instance of this from me, And one, which I've lived myself to see There's Butler, the chief of dragoons, why he, Whose rank was not higher a whit than mine, Some thirty years since, at Cologne on Rhine, Is a major-general now--because He put himself forward and gained applause; Filling the world with his martial fame, While slept my merits without a name. And even the Friedlander's self--I've heard-- Our general and all-commanding lord, Who now can do what he will at a word, Had at first but a private squire's degree; In the goddess of war yet trusting free, He reared the greatness which now you see, And, after the emperor, next is he. Who knows what more he may mean or get? (Slyly.) For all-day's evening isn't come yet.