Page:Songs, Legends, and Ballads.djvu/205

Rh And Hilton, heedless of its noise, is riding at the foe!

"The Frenchman stared, in wonder: he was brave, and would not run, 'Twould merit but a coward's brand to turn and fly from one. But still he shuddered at the glance from 'neath that knitted brow: He knew 'twould be a death fight, but there was no shrinking now. He pressed his horse to meet the shock straight at him Hilton made, And as they closed the Frenchman's cut fell harmless on his blade; But scarce a moment's time had passed ere, spurring from the field, A troop of cuirassiers closed round and called on him to yield One glance of scorn he threw them,—all his answer in a frown,— And riding at their leader with one sweep he cut him down;