Wild beasts are ye, as such we hold ye fast,
And right or wrong, we'll tame ye at the last!
In spite of you Numantia shall be mine,
Nor cost me at the worst a single man;
So let the boldest-minded of your line
Break through the ditch and trenches if he can;
And if my valour shows some little sign
Of cowardice in working out this plan,
Let now the gusty wind bear off the shame,
And when I conquer, bear it back—as fame.