14 



Recaí the word, nor try that dang'rous way, 

 Full twice ten thousand foes, in dread array, 

 Cover the plains of Tucapel afar, 

 Confederate all, impatient for the war ; 

 All bound in solemn oaths to meet their doom, 

 And purchase freedom, or a glorious tomb." 



At this report, a cold sensation ])ast 

 O'er every bosom like a wintry blast ; 

 The King of Terrors seem'd to stalk around, 

 And every shuddering heart his presence found : 

 The noble Chieftain, unappall'd alone. 

 Beheld them blanch, and thus in angry tone : 

 " What ! do ye falter ere you sec the foe ! 

 Be constant, or the soldier's name forego !" 

 Then with a look that spoke a wounded mind, 

 He spurj*'d his courser on : the crowd behind 

 The damp contagion from their souls expell'd, 

 And dauntless follow'd o'er the dusty field. 

 Soon Tucapel's retiring heights display 

 The fatal champain to the face of day. 

 The fortress first their wond'ring eyes survey'd, 

 Late a proud pile, but now in ruin laid. 

 " O noble friends I" aloud the General cry'd, 

 " Those walls I thought the utmost force defy'd 

 Of hostile rage, but see how low they lie, 

 A spectacle of ruin to the sky ! 

 Tlie deadly foe in arms we soon shall meet, 

 No friendly castle here affords retreat ; 

 On our good swords alone we now depend 

 To purchase conquest, or a glorious end." 

 While thus he strove their gallant hearts to warm, 

 A distant rumour, like a gathering storm. 

 Broke on th' unfinish'd word ; and soon were seen, 

 Innumerous spears, thick glancing o'er the green, 

 Brandish'd by hostile hands ; while all around 

 Was heard this dire salute, with sullen sound : 

 " Robbers ! advance, and with your blood repay 

 The wrongs we bore beneath your deadly sway ; 

 Your lands and lives you now must leave behind. 

 Your deadly sentence Fate at last has sign'd.'' 

 The General saw that now the hour was come, 

 That nought but viilour could decide their doom, 



