Since in your country's direst hour of need
You have revealed your true heroic breed;
A tiger—yes, to enemies and Huns,
But trusted, idolised, by France's sons.
So when of late a traitor's felon blow
Was like to lay you, old and ailing, low,
And France was sorely stricken in her Chief,
The wide world shared her anguish—and relief;
For the assassin, resolute to kill,
Was foiled by your indomitable will.