The strength of a people was gathered then.
"My right is weakened, my left is thin,
My centre is almost driven in,"—
The soul of a patriot spoke through the hush,—
"I shall advance!" said General Foch.
Forth from Paris to meet the storm
They rushed like bees in an angry swarm.
By motor and lorry and truck they came
Swift as the wind and fierce as flame.
Papa Joffre knew the trick