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His bands he led in order thro' the shade, 

 As if he fear'd a springing ambuscade. 

 Couriers he sent before, with timely speed, 

 To try the passes, and the war to lead, 

 And namM a place to meet. The tangled dell 

 They past, but ne'er return'd their doom to telL 



Now at the rendezvous arriv'd, they stood 

 To wait their spies returning from the wood. 

 While, as the time drew on, in every breast 

 Contending hope and doubt the soul oi)prest. 

 Nor long the heroes stood in sage debate. 

 But all at length resolv'd to share their fate, 

 Whether by Heaven's behest they scap'd the snare, 

 Or fell the victims of insidious war ; 

 And tho' a falt'ring pause the boldest felt. 

 Yet no presage their high résolve could melt ; 

 On their good falchions, oft in battle try'd, 

 And strenuous arms the gallant bands rely'd. 



Scarce two short leagues along the glade they move^ 

 When, midst the dark funereal boughs above. 

 Hung by their gory locks, aloft were seen, 

 Their comrades' heads above the hostile green ; 

 Or fix'd on pales within the deadly pass, 

 Glar'd on their friends with formidable grace. 

 Mute with surprise, but firm and unsubdu'd. 

 In solemn gaze awhile the soldiers stood. 

 But stood not long, for Fury soon began 

 To rouse to deeds of blood the hardy clan. 

 Storming with rage, and cursing dull delay. 

 They call their Captains on to lead the way. 

 Their Lord, who saw the future in the past. 

 Stood silent for a space, and try'd at last. 

 Calmly, with look sedate, and temper cool. 

 The dangerous ardour of the train to rule. 

 *' Ye gallant Champions of the Cross," he cry*d, 



Be firm, be fearless, but let reason guide. 

 You see GUI'* bold rebellious slaves display. 

 Their hostile ensigns in the face of day, 

 Triumphaiit over l)roken faith they rise, , 

 And spurn their oaths, recorded in the skies ; 

 We hear their deadly trumpet's angry sound, 

 W^e spy the flames of Discord kindling round, 



