And raw in fields the rude militia swarms,

Mouths without hands; maintain'd at vast expense,

In peace a charge, in war a weak defence;

Stout once a month they march, a blustering band,

And ever but in times of need at hand.

John Dryden (1631-1701): Cymon and Iphigenia. Line 400.

Cease, rude Boreas, blustering railer!

List, ye landsmen all, to me;

Messmates, hear a brother sailor

Sing the dangers of the sea.

George A. Stevens (1720-1784): The Storm.