 | The defence of Rome |  |
VI.
For now as the year went on, and, as isles in a ravenous sea,
Rome and Venice alone stood forth and dared to be free,
Once more did the King of Sardinia, sore stung with shame at the sight,
Draw forth his sword from its scabbard, defying the Austrian might.
In vain; for the Austrian cannon once more on Novara's day
Blasted his useless brand and swept his succour away.
Rome and Venice alone stood forth and dared to be free,
Once more did the King of Sardinia, sore stung with shame at the sight,
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In vain; for the Austrian cannon once more on Novara's day
Blasted his useless brand and swept his succour away.
That tale heard the Romans in sorrow, yet bowed not their spirits to fear,
Nor yet when another tidings, yet bitterer, came to their ear.
For now as the spring days lengthened and April smiled on the land
Came news of an army of France sailed forth for the Tyrrhene strand,
But with it no greeting of cheer, as of brother to brother, was sent;
Dark words spake the rulers of France and veiled in gloom their intent.
Nor yet when another tidings, yet bitterer, came to their ear.
For now as the spring days lengthened and April smiled on the land
Came news of an army of France sailed forth for the Tyrrhene strand,
But with it no greeting of cheer, as of brother to brother, was sent;
Dark words spake the rulers of France and veiled in gloom their intent.
And now had they traverst the sea, and landed, and now overbore
(Half fraud half force was that seizure) the port of the Roman shore.
Then Oudinot envoys sent, and prayed of the Romans to yield
Their gates to the host of the stranger, come thither for succour and shield.
But stern and clear came the answer: ‘No nearer come to our wall:
Force with force shall be met: on thy head be what evil befall.’
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Then Oudinot envoys sent, and prayed of the Romans to yield
Their gates to the host of the stranger, come thither for succour and shield.
But stern and clear came the answer: ‘No nearer come to our wall:
Force with force shall be met: on thy head be what evil befall.’
Then Oudinot marched on the city; the bells in the Capitol tower
Rang out to the people their signal and called them to gather their power;
And swift on the on-coming French came the ranks of the Romans down,
From noon to the evening they fought by the western gates of the town;
Then turned the invader before them, and left in their hands for a prey
Three hundred soldiers of France: so chased they the spoiler away.
Rang out to the people their signal and called them to gather their power;
And swift on the on-coming French came the ranks of the Romans down,
From noon to the evening they fought by the western gates of the town;
Then turned the invader before them, and left in their hands for a prey
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| The defence of Rome | |