plume (n.)
plume (v.)
We can make majors and officers every year, but not scholars; kings can invest knights and barons, as Sigismund the emperor confessed.
Sir Plume, of amber snuff-box justly vain,
And the nice conduct of a clouded cane.
Like a young eagle who has lent his plume
To fledge the shaft by which he meets his doom,
See their own feathers pluck'd to wing the dart
Which rank corruption destines for their heart.
