The Dynasts : Parts First And Second

iv PART SECOND
JDown the vague veiled incline the English fling them, -Bended bayonets prodding the enemy backward: Si\ the first fierce charge of the ardent Frenchmen England repels there J
Having fallen back into the darkness the French presently reascend in yet larger masses. The high square knapsack which every English foot-soldier carries, and his shako, and its tuft, outline themselves against the dim light as the ranks stand awaiting the shock.
CHORUS OF RUMOURS
JPnshing spread they! — shout as they reach the
summit!—
Strength and stir netv-primed in their plump battalions : •Puffs of flame blown forth on the lines opposing Higher and higher.
There those hold them mute, though at speaking
distance—
JMute, while clicking flints, and the crash of volleys Whelm the weighted gloom with immense distraction Pending their fire.
JPronting heads, helms, brows can each ranksman read
there,
JEpaulettes, hot cheeks ; yea, and shining eyeballs, {Called for a trice from night by the fleeting pan-ftasfi) Pressing them nigher/
Tfee French again fall back in disorder into the hollow, and LAPISSE draws off on the right. As the sinking sound of the muskets tells what has happened the English raise a shout.
CHORUS OF PITIES
Thus the dim, nocturnal ado of conflict Closes with the roar of receding gun-fires. JHarness loosened then, and their day-long strenuous Temper unbending,
305 x