VIII.

Now they engage with furious shout; And join in battle fierce and stout, Th' invet'rate _Foe_ at length they rout; And loud they cry-- O! matchless _Prussians_! ne'er give out; Pursue! Cut off! Destroy!

Th' intrepid victors far and near Spread fierce destruction on the rear, Their enemies with trembling fear Their arms lay down; Who whilom haughty and severe, Had deem'd the field their own.

See them triumphant bear away Th' imperial standards waving gay! A thousand trophies line the way; As they return, Beneath their feet, a hapless prey, The vanquish'd mourn.

Behold the blood impurpled plain, And shiver'd armour of the slain! Their dreams of honour, ah! how vain? Gasping they lie! Now of their wounds complain, Now sink and faint and die.

Such is th' event of human things, The fates of emp'rors and of kings; Death in the rear disaster brings, Dreadful to see! Such as great POPE or HOMER sings, Strains far too high for me.

But CHARLES and valiant DAUN retreat, Who lately led an army great-- At _Breslau_ now in shatter'd state They rendezvous: And there bemoan their adverse fate, And dismal overthrow.