The Prologue

Call'd forth Thalia's standard to display, And here maintain her sov'reign comic sway; As Chief—I'll reconnoitre well the ground, To learn what hostile lines are drawn around!

That's not a dark defile in yonder glade?— For shou'd it prove a treach'rous ambuscade, No puffing miners have I here in pay, To sap their works, or turn their covert-way; No mercenary band who have been wont, To hack and hew, like pioneers in front!

With flying shells our engineers shall try, That well mann'd battlement which tow'rs so high!

Beneath, our point-blank-shot will surely reach, And in yon half-moon batt'ry make a breach!

Those lovely breast-works that adorn the field, To nature's gentle summons soon must yield!

This post advanc'd the piquet guard to keep, And that reserve, who are entrench'd chin-deep, We hope to carry by a bold exertion, At least amuse, with some well plann'd diversion!

My troops are vet'rans:—it has been their lot, To form in front of service hissing hot; Who, when their ranks are gall'd, or put to flight, Are sure to rally, and renew the fight, Unless—and then no light dragoons scour fleeter— Their powder fails for want of true salt-petre!

Our plan's avow'd; it is from this firm station, To gain the heights of public approbation!