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DRAMATIC ROMANCES.
INCIDENT OF THE FRENCH CAMP.
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 pethaps he mused " My plans
" That soar, to earth may fall,
" Let once my army-leader Lannes
" Waver at yonder wall,"-
B 2
4 DRAMATIC ROMANCES
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. . . .
