I.

On San Sebastian’s towering castle wall, What fiery meteor crowns the brow of night? Its gathering splendour glows majestical ’Gainst darkling skies--a diadem of light! It grows amain upon the dazzled sight, While to their posts the amazed besiegers run; The eternal stars an instant beam less bright, As startled by another burning sun, Which now distincter bears the name “Napoléon!”