XLIII.

Through sulphurous shroud new skirmishers ascend, And mount the crest new columns of attack; Ev’n gallant Ross an instant forced to bend Before that fiery crowd recedeth back, But to return next instant with no lack Of desperate courage. Up the crest once more Our heroes charge, nor Gallic fire doth slack. Charge upon charge succeeding o’er and o’er, Each gains and yields by turns--the sod is dyed with gore.