XII.

Vain, Boyer, thy decision--vain, Maucune, Thy energy. Soult hears the cannonade At Espelette, and rushes forth full soon; But ere he comes his camps a prey are made By Britain’s sons beneath Andaya’s shade. Zugáramurdi feels the advancing power, And D’Erlon sees his post by Fate betrayed-- The Lusitan battalion’s fairest flower Alone by France cut down in that eventful hour.