Proud mutters the Prince: "That is Cassioli's sign:

Ere the dawn of the morning Cremona'll be mine;

For Merci will open the gate of the Po,

But scant is the mercy Prince Vaudemont will shew!"

III.

Through gate, street, and square, with his keen cavaliers—

A flood through a gulley—Count Merci careers—

They ride without getting or giving a blow,

Nor halt till they gaze on the gate of the Po.

"Surrender the gate!"—but a volley replied,