Wessex Poems and Other Verses by Thomas Hardy
page 40 of 106 (37%)
page 40 of 106 (37%)
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"Charging the Marshal straight
To strike between the double host ahead Ere they co-operate, "Engaging Blucher till the Emperor put Lord Wellington to flight, And next the Prussians. This to set afoot Is my emprise to-night." I joined him in the mist; but, pausing, sought To estimate his say. Grouchy had made for Wavre; and yet, on thought, I did not lead that way. I mused: "If Grouchy thus instructed be, The clash comes sheer hereon; My farm is stript. While, as for pieces three, Money the French have none. "Grouchy unwarned, moreo'er, the English win, And mine is left to me - They buy, not borrow."--Hence did I begin To lead him treacherously. By Joidoigne, near to east, as we ondrew, Dawn pierced the humid air; And eastward faced I with him, though I knew Never marched Grouchy there. Near Ottignies we passed, across the Dyle |
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