Yet not the fault of Herkimer,
Who knew his foe too well to err.
Rash, headstrong men the others led,
Who mocked at what the general said,
And heaped contumely on his head.
“You know not what you seek,” he cried;
“Those are but fools who foes deride;
And prudence dwells with courage tried.
“My messenger left at set of sun;
When once his errand has been done,