A waving of tall plumes, a ruddy light

Of torches, fitfully and wildly thrown

From the high woods, along the sweeping Rhone,

Far down the waters. Heavily and dead,

Under the moaning trees, the home-hoof’s tread

In muffled sounds upon the greensward fell,

As chieftains pass’d; and solemnly the swell

Of the deep requiem, o’er the gleaming river

Borne with the gale, and with the leaves’ low shiver,

Floated and died. Proud mourners there, yet pale,