Thomas Campbell - Hohenlinden

1 On Linden, when the sun was low, <br />2 All bloodless lay the untrodden snow, <br />3 And dark as winter was the flow <br />4 Of Iser, rolling rapidly. <br /> <br />5 But Linden saw another sight <br />6 When the drum beat at dead of night, <br />7 Commanding fires of death to light <br />8 The darkness of her scenery. <br /> <br />9 By torch and trumpet fast arrayed, <br />10 Each horseman drew his battle blade, <br />11 And furious every charger neighed <br />12 To join the dreadful revelry. <br /> <br />13 Then shook the hills with thunder riven, <br />14 Then rushed the steed to battle driven, <br />15 And louder than the bolts of heaven <br />16 Far flashed the red artillery. <br /> <br />17 But redder yet that light shall glow <br />18 On Linden's hills of stainèd snow, <br />19 And bloodier yet the torrent flow <br />20 Of Iser, rolling rapidly. <br /> <br />21 'Tis morn, but scarce yon level sun <br />22 Can pierce the war clouds, rolling dun, <br />23 Where furious Frank and fiery Hun <br />24 Shout in their sulphurous canopy. <br /> <br />25 The combat deepens. On, ye brave, <br />26 Who rush to glory, or the grave! <br />27 Wave, Munich! all thy banners wave, <br />28 And charge with all thy chivalry! <br /> <br />29 Few, few shall part where many meet! <br />30 The snow shall be their winding-sheet, <br />31 And every turf beneath their feet <br />32 Shall be a soldier's sepulchre.<br /><br />Thomas Campbell<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hohenlinden/