Iberia Won; A poem descriptive of the Peninsular War / With impressions from recent visits to the battle-grounds, and copious historical and illustrative notes

by T. M. Hughes

But doughtiest weapons to the strife we brought.

Our earlier efforts in the conflict nought

Availed us—France her legions marshalled well.

Undisciplined our valour marvels wrought;

But ’gainst Gaul’s serried phalanx to rebel

Was no light peasant’s task, and hundreds fighting fell.

XV.

“Oh, wondrous power of Discipline in war!

Spain’s men despised the conscript boys of France;