As greater weal than private gain. A battle fierce
And obstinate had laid a thousand patriots low,
And filled the people’s hearts with gloom.
Pursued like hunted deer,
The crippled army fled; and, yet, amid
Disaster and defeat, the Nation’s chosen chief
Resolved his losses to retrieve. But not
With armies disciplined and trained by years
Of martial service, could he, this Fabian chief,
Now hope to check the hosts of Howe’s victorious legions—