Who keeps aloof from fate--while yet he can; One well-aimed ball can make us all no more Than shipwrecked scoundrels on that leeward shore. "But why, my friends, these hard reflections still 175 On Lexington affairs--'tis Bunker's hill-- O fatal hill!--one glance at thee restrains My once warm blood, and chills it in my veins-- May no sweet grass adorn thy hateful crest That saw Britannia's bravest troops distrest-- 180 Or if it does--may some destructive gale The green leaf wither, and the grass turn pale-- All moisture to your brow may heaven deny, And God and man detest you, just as I;-- 'Tis Bunker's hill, this night has brought us here, 185 Pray question him who led your armies there, Nor dare my courage into question call, Or blame Lord Piercy for the fault of all." Howe chanced to nod while heathenish Piercy spoke, But as his Lordship ceased, his Honour awoke, 190 (Like those whom sermons into sleep betray) Then rubbed his eyes, and thus was heard to say: "Shall those who never ventured from the town, Or their ships' sides, now pull our glory down? We fought our best--so God my honour save!-- 195 No British soldiers ever fought so brave-- Resolved I led them to the hostile lines, (From this day famed where'er great Phoebus shines) Firm at their head I took my dangerous stand, Marching to death and slaughter, sword in hand, 200 But wonted Fortune halted on her way, We fought with madmen, and we lost the day-- Putnam's brave troops, your honours would have swore Had robbed the clouds of half their nitrous store, With my bold veterans strewed the astonished plain, 205 For not one musquet was discharged in vain.-- But, honoured Gage, why droops thy laurelled head?-- Five hundred foes we packed off to the dead.--[94] Now captains, generals, hear me and attend! Say, shall we home for other succours send? 210 Shall other navies cross the stormy main?-- They may, but what shall awe the pride of Spain? Still for dominion haughty Louis pants-- Ah! how I tremble at the thoughts of France.-- Shall mighty George, to enforce his injured laws, 215 Transport all Russia to support the cause?-- That allied empire countless shoals may pour Numerous as sands that strew the Atlantic shore; But policy inclines my heart to fear They'll turn their arms against us when they're here-- 220 Come, let's agree--for something must be done Ere autumn flies, and winter hastens on-- When pinching cold our navy binds in ice, You'll find 'tis then too late to take advice." The clock strikes two!--Gage smote upon his breast, 225 And cried,--"What fate determines, must be best-- But now attend--a counsel I impart That long has laid the heaviest at my heart--