Part 5 (1/2)

The day has broke, the sun now brightly s.h.i.+nes, And each can plainly see the other's lines.

XXIX.

Then from the French battalions comes the fire Of musketry, and bullets hissing loud Pierce through the English ranks, yet but inspire The veterans to vengeance, and their blood Boils in their veins. Yet silently they still March on, awaiting their commander's will.

x.x.x.

At length is heard the general's command To fire. A fearful volley from their ranks Then belches forth, and, sweeping o'er the land, The bullets carry ruin to the Franks.

In deep dismay the Frenchmen hesitate One moment; then, with valour desperate,

x.x.xI.

They turn again, restrengthened, to the fight.

But fruitless all the bravery they show; Repulsed anew, ere long they take to flight, Pursued by English bullets as they go.

And from the time the battle first begun, But fifteen minutes pa.s.sed till it was won.

x.x.xII.

But deadly was the devastation wrought On either side, and dearly was the day Of glory by the English army bought.

Thrice bullet-pierced their young commander lay.

He lived to hear the cry of victory, Then yielded up his spirit willingly.

x.x.xIII.

Good reason had the conquerors to mourn; Yet had the vanquished greater cause than they.

The day was lost, and sadly had they borne Their leader from the battle-field away.

Beloved Montcalm, the generous and brave, Upon that field had found a b.l.o.o.d.y grave.

x.x.xIV.

And what of her who sat in silent grief, And listened vainly for the step of him Whose coming only could afford relief, And stay the tears in which her eyes will swim?

Ah! History has nought to say of her, Nor speaks it of the sorrow she must bear.

x.x.xV.

The full extent of war's resulting curse Is never known: the country's gain or loss Is reckoned by its victory or reverse, The dead are numbered--but the heavy cross Of suffering, which womankind must bear, Is reckoned not among the deeds of war.

x.x.xVI.