See their long necks, twig their broad beaks! Cease, senile cacklers, cease!"
So gaspeth great HARCURTIUS, but gaspeth all in vain.
The gaff is blown, the anserine guard gives tongue with might and main.
A stir, a tramp of mailèd feet, a torch-flare! Whillaloo!
"Say, is this MARCUS MANLIUS? No, hang it, there be two,
SALISBURIUS and GOSCHENIUS, with a host, no doubt, behind,
They're on their guard, whate'er may chance, we shall not 'catch 'em blind'
Like gudgeon. No! there's not a chance of a surprise by night;
If the Gauls take the Citadel, ye gods, they'll have to fight!"
How history repeats itself! At least we must agree,