University of Virginia Library

War, note of preparation gives,
And threatens e'er the foe arrives.
The Son of Mars, amid th'alarms
Of contest fierce and clashing arms,
Well knows he may be doom'd to feel
The wounding force of hostile steel;
Nay, half expects that he may fall
By bloody sword or flying ball:
But still his prowess may sustain
His life on the embattled plain,

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And He may rest, when all is done,
Beneath the Laurels he has won.