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CANTO IV.
Tell me without Dissimulation,
Who e're shall read this Ex••cration.
If a rare Martial Soul possess
Thy manly Trunk, that dares to press
Thee bravely forward, to withstand
The Forces of a mighty Band?
If thy stout-Genius could rush
Through a Wood of Pikes, and crush
Whole ordred Files of Men in Steel,
Trample whole Ranks, and never feel
The sting of Fear; if thou dar'st meet
The thundring Culvering, and greet
Whole Canon in the face, out-brave
A showr of Lead, and slight the Grave?
If thou canst do all this, then come,
I'le lead thee to Elysium.
Crown thee with Honour in those Fields
W••ere Death his fearful Standard wields.
Amidst a Regiment•• of Shade••▪ tell
Me, if thy Courage would not quell,
When thou discern'st the Face of Hell.
Wilt meet a thousand Deaths? come on,
I'le teach thee but to meet this one.
Should Scip•••• or Caesar descry
These in their Trenches, as they lye,
They'd soon remove their Siege, this Sight
Would make their hair to stand upright.
And the Commanders hearts would ake,
For horror, all their joynts would quake.