The reference in the last stanza may be to the legend of Amphion moving stones, and building up the walls of Thebes, by the sound of his lyre; the stones advancing to their places, and being fitted together, as he played his instrument. Compare Tennyson's _Amphion_.--ED. VARIANTS: [Footnote 154: 1845. That, having wrought ... 1816. ] [Footnote 155: 1827. My soul in many a midnight vision bowed Before the meanings which her spear expressed; 1816. ] [Footnote 156: 1827. Seemed to bisect the orbit of her shield, Like to a long blue bar of solid cloud 1816. ] [Footnote 157: 1845. At evening stretched across the fiery West. 1816. Across the setting sun, and through the fiery west. 1827. Across the setting sun--and through all the fiery west. 1837. ] [Footnote 158: 1827. ... short-lived rest, Which, when they first received her, she had blest: 1816. ] [Footnote 159: 1827. ... might'st ... 1816. ] THE FRENCH ARMY IN RUSSIA, 1812-13[160] Composed 1816.--Published 1816 This was first published in 1816 in the "Miscellaneous Pieces, referring chiefly to recent public Events," in the volume entitled _Thanksgiving Ode, January 18, 1816, with other short pieces_, etc. In 1820 it was placed among the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty, Part II."--ED. Humanity, delighting to behold A fond reflection of her own decay, Hath painted Winter like a traveller old, Propped on a staff, and, through the sullen day, In hooded mantle, limping o'er the plain,[161] 5 As though his weakness were disturbed by pain: Or, if a juster fancy should allow An undisputed symbol of command, The chosen sceptre is a withered bough, Infirmly grasped within a palsied hand. 10 These emblems suit the helpless and forlorn; But mighty Winter the device shall scorn. For he it was--dread Winter! who beset, Flinging round van and rear his ghastly net, That host, when from the regions of the Pole 15 They shrunk, insane ambition's barren goal-- That host, as huge and strong as e'er defied Their God, and placed their trust in human pride! As fathers persecute rebellious sons, He smote the blossoms of their warrior youth; 20 He called on Frost's inexorable tooth Life to consume in Manhood's firmest hold; Nor spared the reverend blood that feebly runs; For why--unless for liberty enrolled And sacred home--ah! why should hoary Age be bold? 25