"The bridge-and now they rush upon the troops: "A gallant onset! Dost thou mark that man "Who all the day has by our side endur'd "The hottest conflict? I did then behold "His force, and wonder: now his deeds of death "Make all the actions of the former fight "Seem as of no account: know'st thou the man? "There is not one amid the host of France, "Of fairer promise." "He," the Chief replied, "Wretched and prodigal of life atchieves "The exploits of Despair: a gallant youth "I had been seen among mankind no more. "His arm is vowed to Heaven. Lo! where he stands ટ Bearing the battle's brunt in unmoved strength, "Firm as the mountain round whose misty head, "The unharming tempest breaks !" Nor paus'd they now In farther converse, to the perilous fray Her hallowed sword, the tenant of the tomb, And drench'd it in his bosom. On the front Of one, his comrade, fell the battle axe Of him the dark-brow'd Chief; the ponderous blow For like some oak that firm with deep-fix'd roots Ill-fated man! one deed of glory more Shall with the short-lived lightning's splendor grace Upon her shield the martial Maiden bore Pierced him that instant Salisbury speeds his sword : That glancing from her helm fell on the folds That arm'd her neck, and making there its way, Concenter'd. On the breast of Salisbury It fell, and pierced his mail, and thro' the plate Drives with strong arm the murderous sword. She saw Nor could the maiden save her Theodore. Conrade beheld, and from his vanquish'd foe Strode terrible in vengeance. Front to front They stood, and each for the death-blow prepar'd But now their troops all captainless confus'd, When over wild Caffraria's wooded hills, Echoes the lion's roar, the timid herd Fly the death-boding sound. The forts they seek, The victors press, and mark their course with blood. But loud the trumpet of retreat resounds, For now the westering sun with many a hue Streak'd the gay clouds. "Dunois !" the Maiden cried, "Form we around yon stronger pile the siege, "There for the night encamping." So she said. Recount the tale of danger; soon to rest Betaking them, for now the night drew on. |