As from the glittering expanse of skies,

The stars look down with cold, impassive eyes.

I see brigades, magnificent and large,

With bristling bayonets prepare to charge;

I see their banners in the distance gleam,

Reflecting back the sun's resplendent beam;

Within the shelter of the rifle pits,

Another army with composure sits,

While ever and anon a rifle's crack

Seems to invite the spirited attack.