Gaul’s young Minerva, who had led her countrymen to fame,
And foremost in the battle rent that conquered country’s chain;
Who, when the sun of fame had set that on its armies shone,
Its broken ranks in order set, inspired and led them on;
The low-born maid that, clad in steel, restored a fallen king,
Who taught the vanquished o’er their foes triumphal songs to sing;
Whose banner in the battle’s front the badge of conquest streamed,
And built again a tottering throne, a forfeit crown redeemed!
But when her glorious deeds were done, Fate sent a darker day,
The blaze of brightness faded in murkiest clouds away;