II.

For Gaul’s imperial master shines that flame, And quivering flouts the Angliberian host; Effulgent skies enthrone his mighty name-- His fortress stands impregnable, the boast! This, this his birthday, this the fearless post Where England’s strength shall fail again, again, For warriors fresh have poured along the coast; And though the siege hath cost a thousand men, No hostile foot shall dare profane that lion’s den!