220
SONGS FROM THE SOUTHERN SEAS.
On swept the squadrons! Then we looked where last the band was seen:
A scarlet heap was all that marked the place where they had been!
Still forward spurred the horsemen, eager to complete the rout;
But our lines had been re-formed now, and five thousand guns belched out
A reception to the squadrons,—rank on rank was piled that day.
Every bullet hissed out 'Vengeance!' as it whistled on its way.
"And now it was, with maddened hearts, we saw a galling sight:
A French hussar was riding close beneath us on the right,—
He held a British standard! With insulting shout he stood.
And waved the flag,—its heavy folds drooped down with shame and blood,—
The blood of hearts unconquered: 'twas the flag of the stanch corps
