XVI.

Through many a craggy pass and dread defile, From Oyarzún and Bidasóa’s stream, By rugged steeps that Ossa’s crest outpile, And cataract beds that Earth to sunder seem-- Pyrene’s fearful wilderness where teem All forms of savage beauty--olive, larch, Pine, myrtle mixed,--and forests hair-like gleam Upon that couchant monster’s spinal arch,-- Still slow the leaguered French recede before our march.