The Battle of Hohenlinden was fought on December 3, 1800, when the French, under General Moreau gained a victory over the Austrians. Campbell witnessed the battle from the monastery of St. Jacob, it is therefore somewhat surprising that his poem should, in its details, be so completely at variance with the reality of history. The Colonel of the Sixteenth Lancers, in describing the battle said that the “victory was obtained almost without an effort of the General, or any very great bravery on the part of his troops.” Some of the poetical allusions, as for instance “the black Iser,” “bannered Munich,” and the “night scene” were altogether imaginary, and nothing can be called true but the beautiful stanza that concludes the Ode. Whilst a writer in “Notes and Queries” suggested that even this stanza was poetically faulty, and proposed it should be altered to: “And every sod beneath their feet Shall bear a soldier’s Elegy.” ―――― BANNOCKBURN. (_An imitation of Hohenlinden._) Near Stirling’s tower, by Fortha’s wave The rising sun its radiance gave, Upon the armour of the brave That burned for battle brilliantly. And Scotland by that soaring sun Beheld her brightest day begun―― Her greenest wreath of glory won By deeds of dauntless bravery. On Bannockburn’s camp covered field The men of war were met to wield, With hostile hand, the sword and shield, For conquest or for liberty! How gaily glanced that field before Began the battle’s rage and roar! That reddened with the reeking gore As raved the dreadful revelry. The wild war-yell rose hoarse and high, St. George! for Edward was the cry, And Scotland’s shout shook earth and sky, St. Andrew! Bruce! and liberty! Then closed the conflict deep and dread! Then strained the bow and struck the blade, Its dirge of death the trumpet brayed, As thinn’d the ranks of rivalry! What feelings fired each hero’s heart, For conquest or a country’s part, As from each eye the flash did dart, That spoke the spirits enmity: But fast the Southrons fell and fled Where Bruce――brave Bruce! his patriots led, And Scotland’s lion rampant――red Pranced proudly on to victory! And may each land, as Scotland, scorn The tyrant’s threat――his thraldom spurn With such success as Bannockburn Of dear and deathless memory! ARCHIE ALIQUIS. From _The Scrap-book of Literary Varieties_. Printed by Edward Lacey, 1825. ―――― THE BATTLE OF PEAS HILL.