The poetical works of Sir Walter Scott, with memoir of the author.

426 VISION OF DON RODERICK.
Vengeance and grief gave mountain rage the
rein,
And, at the bloody spear-point headlong
driven,
Thy Despot's giant guards fled like the rack of
heaven.
XI.
Go, baffled boaster! teach thy haughty mood
To plead at thine imperious master's throne,
Say, thou hast left his legions in their blood,
Deceived his hopes, and frustrated thine
own;
Say, that thine utmost skill and valour shown,
By British skill and valour were outvied;
Last say, thy conqueror was WELLINGTON!
And if he chafe, be his own fortune triedGod and our cause to friend, the venture we'll
abide.
XII.
But you, ye heroes of that well-fought day,
How shall a bard, unknowing and unknown,
His meed to each victorious leader pay,
Or bind on every brow the laurels won? 1
Yet fain my harp would wake its boldest tone,
O'er the wide sea to hail CADOGAN brave;
And he, perchance, the minstrel-note might
own,
1 [See Appendix, Note D.]