St. XXII. XXIII. and XXIV.
These three stanzas have been added since the seventh edition.—With the interesting circumstances which they attempt to describe, I was not acquainted when the poem was originally written. They were indeed, I believe, first made known to the public in a most impressive speech delivered in the House of Commons, early in the last session, by Lord Viscount Castlereagh; and I have only to regret, that I have not been more successful in my endeavour to preserve, in my stanzas, the interest and animation of his Lordship’s eloquent description. 1811.
St. XXIII. l. 14.—The Champion of Bivar.
The famous Cid, Ruy Dias of Bivar, the Campeador.
St. XXIV. l. 28.—Grasp of manly hands.
It is delightful to think that this incident, so interesting, and in modern times so unusual, is strictly true.
St. XXV. l. 13.—On the centre.
The repulse of Victor by the dragoons was followed by a general attack on the centre and right of the British line, which was every where gallantly repulsed; but the action was severest towards the left of the centre, where General Sherbrook commanded: it was there that the gallant impetuosity of the Guards for a moment endangered the victory, and with the description of this principal attack the text is chiefly occupied.
St. XXVIII. l. 18.—The tide of victory turned.
It is not to be denied, that at this moment the fate of the day was something worse than doubtful; but Sir Arthur, as soon as he saw the advance of the Guards, anticipated the result, and moved other troops (among the rest the 48th regiment) from the heights into the plain, to cover the retreat, which took place as he expected.