Old Year Leaves Being Old Verses Revised: By H. T. Mackenzie Bell ... New Edition |
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DEVOTION OF PRINCE PONIATOWSKI.
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 | Old Year Leaves |  |
279
DEVOTION OF PRINCE PONIATOWSKI.
Leipsic, 1813.
Bravely the French have fought, but all by treachery is lost,
And nought is left save to retreat, though now at fearful cost;
In gloomy tones Napoleon gives the unfamiliar word—
With curses on the enemy it everywhere is heard;
“And you, Prince Poniatowski, keep the Southern Faubourg, while
Across the Pleisse and Elster the vanguard can defile.”
“My men are few, your Majesty; they must in time give way.”
“Still you will surely strive to hold the post as best you may.”
“Doubt us not, sire, we'll keep good guard,” speaks he with a deep sigh.
“None of my Polish legion but for you would gladly die.”
And nought is left save to retreat, though now at fearful cost;
In gloomy tones Napoleon gives the unfamiliar word—
With curses on the enemy it everywhere is heard;
“And you, Prince Poniatowski, keep the Southern Faubourg, while
Across the Pleisse and Elster the vanguard can defile.”
“My men are few, your Majesty; they must in time give way.”
“Still you will surely strive to hold the post as best you may.”
282
“None of my Polish legion but for you would gladly die.”
The morning light soon growing bright, shows clearly to the foe
The French retreat has now commenced, though sad and strangely slow;
And columns of the Allies advance to do their duty
By dashing on to devastate a scene once filled with beauty;
But gallantly their rushing ranks the brave rearguard restrain,
Full long their valiant charge is vain an entrance to obtain,
And when, but step by step, the bold defenders are retiring,
'Tis whilst resisting steadfastly with still continued firing;
All their companions now have crossed a broad bridge which is mined—
If they can pass securely o'er, they soon may safety find.
The French retreat has now commenced, though sad and strangely slow;
And columns of the Allies advance to do their duty
By dashing on to devastate a scene once filled with beauty;
But gallantly their rushing ranks the brave rearguard restrain,
Full long their valiant charge is vain an entrance to obtain,
And when, but step by step, the bold defenders are retiring,
'Tis whilst resisting steadfastly with still continued firing;
All their companions now have crossed a broad bridge which is mined—
283
Hark to the sudden hellish crash! these heroes' hope has gone!
The mine has prematurely burst—the careless stream rolls on;
The people fire from off the roofs, the foe press on the rear,
A moment 'tis of agony, of overwhelming fear.
Proud Poniatowski sees the flash of hostile sabres rise,
And to his Polish cuirassiers, he petulantly cries—
“'Tis best to fall with honour now while each his weapon plies.”
The mine has prematurely burst—the careless stream rolls on;
The people fire from off the roofs, the foe press on the rear,
A moment 'tis of agony, of overwhelming fear.
Proud Poniatowski sees the flash of hostile sabres rise,
And to his Polish cuirassiers, he petulantly cries—
“'Tis best to fall with honour now while each his weapon plies.”
Turning his horse, he shapes his course 'mong bayonets all opposing,
Around his stalwart martial form the enemy are closing—
One shot has smote him in the arm, another midst his dress,
Striking the gay insignia which his great renown express.
He plunges madly through the Pleisse, the strength at his command
Is perfectly exhausted ere he feebly gains the land;
Alas! 'tis but to mark the foe thronging the Elster's shore,
And leaping swift into its tide, he sinks to rise no more.
Around his stalwart martial form the enemy are closing—
One shot has smote him in the arm, another midst his dress,
284
He plunges madly through the Pleisse, the strength at his command
Is perfectly exhausted ere he feebly gains the land;
Alas! 'tis but to mark the foe thronging the Elster's shore,
And leaping swift into its tide, he sinks to rise no more.
Farewell, lost Poland's noble son! how meet the day would be
Whereon the land which gave thee birth once more was rendered free.
Whereon the land which gave thee birth once more was rendered free.
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