“Else ne’er to stoop, till high on Lisbon’s towers They close their wings, the symbol of our yoke, And their own sea hath whelmed yon red-cross powers!” Thus, on the summit of Alverca’s rock To Marshal, Duke, and Peer, Gaul’s Leader spoke. While downward on the land his legions press, Before them it was rich with vine and flock, And smiled like Eden in her summer dress;— Behind their wasteful march a reeking wilderness. III. And shall the boastful Chief maintain his word, Though Heaven hath heard the wailings of the land, Though Lusitania whet her vengeful sword, Though Britons arm and WELLINGTON command! No! grim Busaco’s iron ridge shall stand An adamantine barrier to his force; And from its base shall wheel his shattered band, As from the unshaken rock the torrent hoarse Bears off its broken waves, and seeks a devious course. IV. Yet not because Alcoba’s mountain-hawk Hath on his best and bravest made her food, In numbers confident, yon Chief shall baulk His Lord’s imperial thirst for spoil and blood: For full in view the promised conquest stood, And Lisbon’s matrons from their walls might sum The myriads that had half the world subdued, And hear the distant thunders of the drum, That bids the bands of France to storm and havoc come. V. Four moons have heard these thunders idly rolled, Have seen these wistful myriads eye their prey, As famished wolves survey a guarded fold— But in the middle path a Lion lay! At length they move—but not to battle-fray, Nor blaze yon fires where meets the manly fight; Beacons of infamy, they light the way Where cowardice and cruelty unite To damn with double shame their ignominious flight. VI. O triumph for the Fiends of Lust and Wrath! Ne’er to be told, yet ne’er to be forgot, What wanton horrors marked their wreckful path! The peasant butchered in his ruined cot, The hoary priest even at the altar shot, Childhood and age given o’er to sword and flame, Woman to infamy;—no crime forgot, By which inventive demons might proclaim Immortal hate to man, and scorn of God’s great name! VII.