But let an army manly courses shun,
Were it a world itself in miniature,
Soon will its mighty bulk be seen to reel
Before the iron hand, and breast of steel.
Ye well may be ashamed, ye men of might,
To see how these few Spaniards, sore distressed,
With haughty spirit, and to our despite,
Defend with vigour their Numantian nest.
Full sixteen years[4] and more have taken flight,
And still they struggle on, and well may jest