Page:Florence Earle Coates Mine and Thine 1904 050.jpg



Rh Had sworn that he, at least, would pass

Beyond the sanguine tide,

And beat his drum, whate'er should come,

Upon the farther side.

So Estienne at Arcola—

No fear had he to die!—

With one brave Sergeant, swam the stream,

His precious drum held high,

And from the river dripping rose

Amid the battle's hum,

A French refrain, with might and main,

To pound upon his drum.

The Austrians at Arcola

Seemed fifty thousand strong,