8.

Full of strange oaths,

People who are not going through this stage of life find it hard to understand the dedication and
commitment involved in these oaths, which could be anything from an allegiance to your country to a
promise to keep your family safe.

9. and bearded like the pard,

The meaning of this line is unclear. Pard was the Old English word for a leopard, and it’s tempting to
think that Shakespeare is talking about the soldier’s camouflage, but you have to remember, camo was
not invented until World War I, three centuries after this poem was written.
Most likely this is a comparison of personality. A leopard is the perfect animal to describe the lines that
follow, for with all its might and hunting prowess, a leopard can get quite egotistical and
temperamental. Also note that bearded has two meanings here:
Bearded could mean ‘spotted’, as in the spots on the leopard. These spots compare to the spots/stains
on a reputation.
A beard could also represent the honor that both the soldier and the leopard strive to protect. After all,
a beard is a proud possession of men, and it takes time to grow one to perfection.
Here again, bearded could mean spotted, for like a man’s beard, a leopard’s spots are its pride.
Bearded could mean ‘spotted’, as in the spots on the leopard. These spots compare to the spots/stains
on a reputation.

10.Jealous in honor,
Here jealous has a different meaning. It implies a person who takes precious care of something. Here
that something is his honor.