ABRUPTLY paused the strife;--the field throughout Resting upon his arms each warrior stood, Checked in the very act and deed of blood, With breath suspended, like a listening scout. O Silence! thou wert mother of a shout That through the texture of yon azure dome Cleaves its glad way, a cry of harvest home Uttered to Heaven in ecstasy devout! The barrier Rhine hath flashed, through battle-smoke, On men who gaze heart-smitten by the view, 10 As if all Germany had felt the shock! --Fly, wretched Gauls! ere they the charge renew Who have seen--themselves now casting off the yoke-- The unconquerable Stream his course pursue. 1816.
