Whate'er the time permit; but when their guards Shall from the trenches with superiour force Advance upon your flanks, resist ye not But save your valued lives for future time And opportunities more suitable." The hero spake, and instant gave the word. 245 And northern torrents swoln, sweeps o'er the plains, Nor herds, nor fields, nor hedge, nor bridge, nor town Can stop its furious course, while Exon's walls, 250 255 252. Cleve's green summits-Cleve, which has long been a seat of the Northmores, is situated on a commanding eminence opposite to the ancient city of Exeter, the capital of the West of England; the river Exe, which is subject to periodical inundations, runs below the hill, and between it and the city." 257. then did the British troops &c.-" The party under colonel Abercrombie was formed into two detachments, which, about four in the morning, attacked the two batteries with great impetuosity, and carried both with inconsiderable loss; but the guards from the trenches immediately advancing on them, they retreated without being able to effect any thing important, and the few pieces which they had hastily spiked were soon rendered fit for service." Life of W. iv. 5:5; Ramsay, i.270. Of the Columbian works had been complete, Had not St. Simon's penetrating eye Perceiv'd the direful evil, and aloud 260 265 Thus to his troops he cries; "For shame, ye Gauls! spake, 270 And in mid horrours plung'd. 'Twas then the Gauls 275 No sooner saw their chieftain's valued life L 280 285 The impetuous Britons from their haughty post, The foe's encroaching works: both stood, both fought, Both with one mind infuriate were impell'd 290 Resolv'd to die, or conquer on the spot. 295 So mighty Hector, so the Grecian chiefs 300 Thus to his troops exclaims; "Comrades in arms! Have ye forgot your orders to retire 305 From the surrounding foe? all contest now So mighty Ajax by the Trojans press'd, Yet fought, and turn'd, and turn'd, and fought again, Much loath to quit the field, until at last, By Jove's supreme decree, his mighty limbs, 315 Slow changing their short steps, retir'd compell'd. END OF THE NINTH BOOK. L 2 |