Some Poems by Sir Walter Scott
page 35 of 72 (48%)
page 35 of 72 (48%)
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No! grim Busaco's iron ridge shall stand
An adamantine barrier to his force; And from its base shall wheel his shattered band, As from the unshaken rock the torrent hoarse Bears off its broken waves, and seeks a devious course. IV. Yet not because Alcoba's mountain-hawk Hath on his best and bravest made her food, In numbers confident, yon Chief shall baulk His Lord's imperial thirst for spoil and blood: For full in view the promised conquest stood, And Lisbon's matrons from their walls might sum The myriads that had half the world subdued, And hear the distant thunders of the drum, That bids the bands of France to storm and havoc come. V. Four moons have heard these thunders idly rolled, Have seen these wistful myriads eye their prey, As famished wolves survey a guarded fold - But in the middle path a Lion lay! At length they move--but not to battle-fray, Nor blaze yon fires where meets the manly fight; Beacons of infamy, they light the way Where cowardice and cruelty unite To damn with double shame their ignominious flight. VI. O triumph for the Fiends of Lust and Wrath! |
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