But Blanca’s voice had been before them there!
Beneath the oak the patriot phalanx fair
With volley close receives the deadly shock.
Though trodden down, none yields him to despair,
But light-armed footmen horse and rider mock.
France oft the charge renews; Biscaya stands—a rock!
XVI.
Fiercest amongst the hussars rode Jules, whose friend
Blanca erewhile had with his carbine smote;