To lead the pupils to appreciate the music and imagery of the poem.
PREPARATION
Where is Waterloo situated? In Belgium. What two armies were engaged in this battle? The French and the English; with the latter were some Prussian allies. Who were the French and the English commanders? Napoleon and Wellington. What was the result of the battle? The overthrow of Napoleon and his banishment to St. Helena. What would have been the consequence if Wellington had been defeated? Napoleon would possibly have had complete mastery of Europe. Picture this struggle of great commanders and disciplined armies, while Europe waited breathlessly for the outcome. (The pupils should read some good history of this battle.)
PRESENTATION
Read the poem to the pupils in such a way as to make vivid the scenes depicted.
DEVELOPMENT
What has the poet described in this poem? Some of the events preceding the battle.
What are the main pictures found in each stanza? (Write on the black-board.)
1. The ball
2. The sound of the enemy's cannon