Vain questions all! But ask the bold of deed
Who scarce can follow where he dares to lead,
Whose form is foremost in the reeling fight?
Whose arm is last to stay and first to smite?
Whose voice still rings the wavering ranks to cheer?
Whose counsel still partakes of aught but fear?
Whose face, when all was chill with blank despair,
Ne’er yet has worn one shade that looked like care?
Or whose the hand, when some well-won success
Might sure have named revenge a just redress,