XXVI.

Nor vigilance secures that lovely coast, Nor danger’s tremulous excitements flee, For Gaul her cruisers and her arméd host From fair Santona pours along the sea; And even Columbian rovers, far too free To curb the lust of plunder, hovering there-- Indifferent whether Spain’s or England’s be The rifled flag--like vultures foul prepare On battle’s skirt to fall, and aidless stragglers tear.