The veteran. Clothed his cheek with beauty rare,
Yet none in all the host so actively would dare.
XXI.
The Spaniards oft declared he was a girl
In male attire, till they beheld his deeds.
The oldest soldiers watched his looks in per’l,
Obeyed his slightest sign, and where he leads
Follow in battle—though the column bleeds.
Yet Nial hath not reached his twentieth year!