And had New France no arm to rule the fight,
Or guard her oriflamme with dauntless breast?
Had the great Marquis wearied of the strife,
His war-worn blade to sheathe, and claim a soldier's rest?
Deserted by a ribald court and King,—
Ruled by a shameless minion's reckless hand,—
A thousand vampires battening on her blood,—
And knaves, or boastful fools deemed noblest of the land;—
Cape Breton's capital laid with the ground,—
Acadia lost,—of Western Empire shorn,—