XIV.

By Biriatú now Reille the river fords, And climbs San Marcial with his fierce brigades, But tangled furze and copse impede their swords. Confusion mixes skirmishers and aids; The mountain steep their forceful vigour jades; And dashing down its sides Spain’s columns rush. Before that charge the might of Jena fades. As reeds are swept beneath the torrent’s gush, So headlong falls the Frank, and feels subjection’s blush.