22. 



That cause, which Heaven appear'd before to love, 



Seem'd now abhorred by every power above. 



Two thousand bowmen bold, ally'd to Spain, 



But natives, kept at bay the savage train, 



With many a fatal shower of arrows keen, 



And strew'd, with copious death, the bloody green. 



But now, surrounded in the fatal field. 



These archers to their doom were forc'd to yield. 



But still, with dauntless hearts the Spaniards stood, 



And sold, with many a life, their streaming blood. 



What man could do, their gallant Chief essay'd, 



And timely succour here and there convey'd ; 



While his strong voice their fainting souls could raise 



W^ith sharp rebuke, or well deserved praise. 



While his unwearied arm the sword could wield, 



Like Mars he mov'd along the bloody field. 



Alas, in vain 1 his friends with gradual fall 



Sink round, and on his name, expiring, call ; 



Those that were left, resolve in arms to die. 



Nor means of reconcilement know, or try. 



In turn by twos, and threes, they press the plain, 



Twice seven alone of all the band remain ; 



Yet, resolute the last extreme to meet. 



Like soldiers, and like men, who scorn'd retreat. 



Nought but the force of steel could bend them down, 



Or make the gallant youths a victor own. 



At length the wretched Chief alone was left 



Of all his followers in a day bereft. 



Except his chaplain sage, a blameless Priest, 



Whom thus with hasty words the Chief addrest : 



" Since we perceive it fruitless to contend, „ 



Another course we now must learn to bend ; 



If Heaven allows escape, our lives to save. 



And shun the horrors of the yawning grave." 



He spoke, they spurr'd their steeds, and fled amain, 



Pursu'd, insuued by the yelling train : 



Like two wild chafing boars, by hunters chas'd 



Along the mazes of the sylvan waste. 



With dogs of scent, that range the forest o'er, 



Or fleet Hibernian hounds, athirst for gore ; 



So in the track of death, with savage spite, 



The cruel Foe pursu'd the Chieftain's flight ; , 



