But the poor tongue in vain essays
A fitting note for them to raise.
We hear the after-shout that rings
[p6]
For them who smote the power of kings;
The swelling triumph all would share,
But who the dark defeat would dare,
And boldly meet the wrath and wo,
That wait the unsuccessful blow?
It were an envied fate, we deem,
To live a land’s recorded theme,