Incident Of The French Camp Analysis

I.



You know, we French stormed Ratisbon:

A mile or so away,

On a little mound, Napoleon

Stood on our storming-day;

With neck out-thrust, you fancy how,

Legs wide, arms locked behind,

As if to balance the prone brow

Oppressive with its mind.



II.



Just as perhaps he mused ``My plans

``That soar, to earth may fall,

``Let once my army-leader Lannes

``Waver at yonder wall,''---

Out 'twixt the battery-smokes there flew

A rider, bound on bound

Full-galloping; nor bridle drew

Until he reached the mound.



III.



Then off there flung in smiling joy,

And held himself erect

By just his horse's mane, a boy:

You hardly could suspect---

(So tight he kept his lips compressed,

Scarce any blood came through)

You looked twice ere you saw his breast

Was all but shot in two.



IV.



``Well,'' cried he, ``Emperor, by God's grace

``We've got you Ratisbon!

``The Marshal's in the market-place,

``And you'll be there anon

``To see your flag-bird flap his vans

``Where I, to heart's desire,

``Perched him!'' The chief's eye flashed; his plans

Soared up again like fire.



V.



The chief's eye flashed; but presently

Softened itself, as sheathes

A film the mother-eagle's eye

When her bruised eaglet breathes;

``You're wounded!'' ``Nay,'' the soldier's pride

Touched to the quick, he said:

``I'm killed, Sire!'' And his chief beside

Smiling the boy fell dead.

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