AT ORTHEZ
SONNET
[_]
On seeing a Sham Fight of French Troops at Orthez, in exactly the
same position as those occupied by the English and French
Armies in the memorable action of February 14th, 1814.
A February day in years long fled,
A fiercely raging battle hour by hour,
At length gained by a mind of mighty power
Through wonder-working skill.
French troops are spread
Along the ridge of hills and fertile vales
Where that stern strife was once. For mimic war
They are arranged precisely as of yore,
Is the result as in the old men's tales
Who saw the real conflict? Nay, not so,
The French now hold the heights. Fictitious foes
Are beaten by the patriots who oppose.
‘The English hounds who wrought our pride's o'erthrow,’
Doubtless thinks many a soldier, ‘now would feel,
If they were here once more, the force of Frenchmen's steel.’
