UNCLE NED'S TALES.
183
Who came pressing close upon us, with a proud, exulting show.
We could hear their taunting laughter, and within our very sight
Did they ride defiant round us,—ay, and dared us to the fight.
But brave old Picton heeded not, but held his backward track,
And smiling said the day would come to pay the Frenchmen back.
And come it did: one morning, long before the break of day,
We were standing to our arms, all ready for the coming fray.
Soon the sun poured down his glory on the hostile lines arrayed.
And his beams went flashing brightly back from many a burnished blade,
Soon to change its spotless lustre for a reeking crimson stain.
In some heart, then throbbing proudly, that will never throb again
