Seeking by some stealthy chance

Vengeance on the troops of France—

Vengeance fierce and fell, to sate

Savage rage and savage hate

For the deeds of desolation harshly done.

II.

On a rugged plateau,

Forty miles from headquarters of Marshal Bugeaud,

Lay an outpost, besieged by the merciless foe.

Day by day close and closer the Arab lines drew