A stormy evening on a far-stretched plain Of meadow-land and corn-land,—and a host Of stubborn red-coats holding every post Against the interminable cannon-rain. Oh, to live through that deathless day again! The day when the Old Guard he valued most, Napoleon,—found their world-wide fierce-lipped boast, Valid a thousand times, this one time vain. The blue long lines in motion, and the red Long line as steady as a wall of stone!— The Old Guard, whose bearskins through all Europe sped, Swept in response to their pale Leader's tone Against the red calm ranks;—then with a groan Wavered,—and turned,—and the whole world's conquerors fled! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...UPON JULIA'S BREASTS by ROBERT HERRICK THE REALM OF FANCY by JOHN KEATS THE MEANING OF PRAYER by JAMES MONTGOMERY SONNET: 9 by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE THE WINGED WORSHIPPERS; ADDRESSED TO TWO SWALLOWS .. DURING SERVICE by CHARLES SPRAGUE CENTENNIAL HYMN by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER I HAVE SEEN by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS |