A moment's pause—'tis but to breathe their band,

Or shall they onward press, or here withstand?

It matters little—if they charge the foes

Who by their border-stream their march oppose, 980

Some few, perchance, may break and pass the line,

However linked to baffle such design.

"The charge be ours! to wait for their assault

Were fate well worthy of a coward's halt."

Forth flies each sabre, reined is every steed,

And the next word shall scarce outstrip the deed:

In the next tone of Lara's gathering breath

How many shall but hear the voice of Death!