XV.

“Oh, wondrous power of Discipline in war! Spain’s men despised the conscript boys of France; Iberia’s sons were stronger, statelier far, More powerful arm to arm to wield the lance. But when untrained, disordered they advance, The unbroken, slender column mows them down. ’Tis thus wild horses o’er the Pampas prance, The lasso by the light-limbed rider’s thrown, The strong steed flung to earth his victor hand must own.