Hark to the Allah shout![395] a band

Of the Mussulman bravest and best is at hand; 820

Their leader's nervous arm is bare,

Swifter to smite, and never to spare—

Unclothed to the shoulder it waves them on;

Thus in the fight is he ever known:

Others a gaudier garb may show,

To tempt the spoil of the greedy foe;

Many a hand's on a richer hilt,

But none on a steel more ruddily gilt;

Many a loftier turban may wear,—

Alp is but known by the white arm bare; 830

Look through the thick of the fight,'tis there!

There is not a standard on that shore

So well advanced the ranks before;

There is not a banner in Moslem war

Will lure the Delhis half so far;

It glances like a falling star!

Where'er that mighty arm is seen,

The bravest be, or late have been;[396]

There the craven cries for quarter

Vainly to the vengeful Tartar; 840

Or the hero, silent lying,

Scorns to yield a groan in dying;

Mustering his last feeble blow

'Gainst the nearest levelled foe,

Though faint beneath the mutual wound,

Grappling on the gory ground.