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

Round tall San Marcial’s foot their path to mar;

And Spain hath banded there her warrior sons,

While o’er the river’s edge France points her thunderous guns.

XIV.

By Biriatú now Reille the river fords,

And climbs San Marcial with his fierce brigades,

But tangled furze and copse impede their swords.

Confusion mixes skirmishers and aids;

The mountain steep their forceful vigour jades;

And dashing down its sides Spain’s columns rush.