Page:Songs from the Southern Seas and Other Poems (1873).djvu/227

 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;