Of France a boastful Tyrant hurled his threats;[706][JH]
Our Country marked the preparation vast[707]
Of hostile forces; and she called—with voice
That filled her plains, that[708] reached her utmost shores,
And in remotest vales was heard—to arms!
—Then, for the first time, here you might have seen
The shepherd's grey to martial scarlet changed,
That flashed uncouthly through the woods and fields.
Ten hardy Striplings, all in bright attire,
And graced with shining weapons, weekly marched,