VIII.

Resistance chafes their spirits, stirs their blood. Excitement fires their minds beyond controul; Till lightning runs through all the arterial flood, And lion-daring grows the warrior-soul. Full many a gentle bosom ’neath that roll Of musketry and cannon feels transformed-- Spurred like a race-horse bounding to the goal, Till death’s a sport to venturers conflict-warmed, And not by men but fiends seems San Sebastian stormed.