XXV.

“Terrific sight—the hospital is fired,

And maniacs issue from the blazing walls;

Gibbering and mouthing ’mongst the soldiers tired,

Even more than War their screaming wild appals.

Some frantic laugh while of their number falls

A victim smote—some mope—some mutterings blend;

Some dance and sing amid the hissing balls,

Some with hyæna yells the welkin rend,

And drivelling idiots cry while warriors fierce contend.