Here pause we for the LXXXVII. present-as even then That awful pause, dividing life from death, Struck for an instant on the hearts of men, Thousands of whom were drawing their last breath! A moment and all will be life again! The march! the charge! the shouts of either faith! Hurra! and Allah! and-one moment moreThe death-cry drowning in the battle's roar. END OF CANTO VII. NOTE TO CANTO VII. Note 1, page 368, stanza LI. Was teaching his recruits to use the bayonet. Fact: Souvaroff did this in person. DON JUAN. CANTO VIII. I. Oн blood and thunder! and oh blood and wounds! At present such things, since they are her theme, II. All was prepared-the fire, the sword, the men Marched forth with nerve and sinews bent to slay, A human Hydra, issuing from its fen To breathe destruction on its winding way, Whose heads were heroes, which cut off in vain, Immediately in others grew again. III. History can only take things in the gross; War's merit it by no means might enhance. As hath been done, mere conquest to advance. IV. And why? because it brings self-approbation; Though they may make corruption gape or stare, V. And such they are-and such they will be found. Whose every battle-field is holy ground, Which breathes of nations saved, not worlds undone. How sweetly on the ear such echoes sound! While the mere victor's may appal or stun The servile and the vain, such names will be A watch-word till the future shall be free. |