VI. “Where Bidasoa’s stream impetuous runs.” The Passage of the Bidasoa took place on the 7th October, a month after the fall of San Sebastian. The morning was heavy and louring, and the day’s work was ushered in by a thunder-storm (already referred to) which caused the early British operations to be happily unperceived. VII. “To lynx-eyed vigilance their soundings yield.” “By the help of Spanish fishermen he had secretly discovered three fords, practicable at low water, between the bridge of Behobia and the sea.” Napier, _Hist. War in the Penins._ book xxii. chap. 4. XI. “Their cannon from the Grand Monarque on high.” The mountain of Louis XIV., overhanging the Bidasoa at Biriatú, where the French had their principal battery. XII. “The Lusitan battalion’s fairest flower,” The Portuguese brigade lost one hundred and fifty men. XIV. “The peak where stands the wreathéd cross.” The Croix des Bouquets--a height adjoining the mountain of Louis XIV. XV. “The British bayonet ne’er withstanding in its ire.” This is no boast. It is a fact attested by the whole of our Peninsular and Belgian campaigns that the French never withstood one bayonet charge, and scarcely ever, indeed, would cross that weapon with us. XVI. “Where the green mountain glistens in the sun.” Bildox, called the Sierra Verde, a little northward of the Mandale mountain. “The Bidasoa’s won--not least of England’s deeds.” “This stupendous operation.” Napier, _Hist. War in the Penins._, book xxii. chap. 4. XXII. ----“Colborne’s bold brigade Of Rifles far above, like huntsmen gay.” Des jägers muth ist immer grün, Und aus dem grünen muth soll blühn Ein blümlein blutig roth, Soll heissen feindes tod. * * Mein schatz gab mir ’nen silbern ring, Dass ich ihr einen gold’nen bring’; Der ring soll sein entwandt Von eines Franzmanns hand! Rückert. “The jäger’s courage (like his raiment) is evergreen, and out of the green courage shall spring a blood-red flowret, and be called Death to the Foe! * * My beloved gave to me a silver ring, that I may bring her a ring of gold. The ring shall be taken from a Frenchman’s hand!” XXIV. ----“A firelock snatched From forth a Frenchman’s hand whom he did urge At sword point till he slew him,” &c. Tancredi con un colpo il ferro crudo Del nemico ribatte, e lui fere anco: Nè poi, ciò fatto, in ritirarsi tarda, Ma si raccoglie, e si ristringe in guarda. Tasso, Gerus. _Lib._ vi. 43. XXVI. “Like gallant chief whose port gives courage to each man.”