• I.

    You know, we French stormed Ratisbon:
    A mile or so away,
    On a little mound, Napoleon
    Stood on our storming-day;
    With neck out-thrust, you fancy how,
    Legs wide, arms locked behind,
    As if to balance the prone brow
    Oppressive with its mind.

    II.

    Just as perhaps he mused ``My plans
    ``That soar, to earth may fall,
    ``Let once my army-leader Lannes
    ``Waver at yonder wall,''---
    Out 'twixt the battery-smokes there flew
    A rider, bound on bound
    Full-galloping; nor bridle drew
    Until he reached the mound.

    III.

    Then off there flung in smiling joy,
    And held himself erect
    By just his horse's mane, a boy:
    You hardly could suspect---
    (So tight he kept his lips compressed,
    Scarce any blood came through)
    You looked twice ere you saw his breast
    Was all but shot in two.

    IV.

    ``Well,'' cried he, ``Emperor, by God's grace
    ``We've got you Ratisbon!
    ``The Marshal's in the market-place,
    ``And you'll be there anon
    ``To see your flag-bird flap his vans
    ``Where I, to heart's desire,
    ``Perched him!'' The chief's eye flashed; his plans
    Soared up again like fire.

    V.

    The chief's eye flashed; but presently
    Softened itself, as sheathes
    A film the mother-eagle's eye
    When her bruised eaglet breathes;
    ``You're wounded!'' ``Nay,'' the soldier's pride
    Touched to the quick, he said:
    ``I'm killed, Sire!'' And his chief beside
    Smiling the boy fell dead.