IX.
Th' intrepid victors far and near
Spread fierce destruction on the rear,
Their enemies with trembling fear
Their arms lay down;
Who whilom haughty and severe,
Had deem'd the field their own.
X.
See them triumphant bear away
Th' imperial standards waving gay!
A thousand trophies line the way;
As they return,
Beneath their feet, a hapless prey,
The vanquish'd mourn.
XI.
Behold the blood impurpled plain,
And shiver'd armour of the slain!
Their dreams of honour, ah! how vain?
Gasping they lie!
Now of their wounds complain,
Now sink and faint and die.
XII.
Such is th' event of human things,
The fates of emp'rors and of kings;
Death in the rear disaster brings,
Dreadful to see!
Such as great Pope or Homer sings,
Strains far too high for me.
XIII.
But Charles and valiant Daun retreat,
Who lately led an army great—
At Breslau now in shatter'd state
They rendezvous:
And there bemoan their adverse fate,
And dismal overthrow.
XIV.
The Prussian Chief pursues with speed,
At his approach they're fill'd with dread,
From whose terrific arm, dismay'd,
So late they flew!
O Fredrick! matchless prince, proceed,
Thy glorious course pursue!
XV.
To him those Heros yield the town,
And him a greater Hero own;
Who soon its walls could batter down,
And lay them low.
Long may he wear the Prussian Crown,
And curb each haughty Foe.
—Annandius.
March 11th, 1758.