Roman Legion

Some God, propitious to the Roman name, (Vegetius cries) inspir'd the legion's frame. More ponderous arms than other soldiers wore, With ease, from custom, the main body bore. Light nimble troops were posted on the flanks, With horse to charge the foes' disorder'd ranks: Slingers and archers too, who sent from far Their lead and arrows to provoke the war. Machines for every siege were in its train, With tools to encamp, and fortify the plain. Thus in each separate legion's form we see Compris'd an army's just epitome. Not Macedon's firm phalanx could compare With this proud boast and master-work of war: Thence were Rome's thunders on the nations hurl'd; With this strong engine she subdued the world. But when by this the subject earth was spoil'd, The faithless engine on herself recoil'd; Not long employed to serve the parent state, It humbled her, to make her tyrants great; A sad exchange was all her pride could boast, Mankind subdued, and her own freedom lost. 'Tis vain to talk of liberty in states, Where the fierce soldier's arm predominates; Prompt to obey the stern commander's word, He finds the law's sole comment in his sword; With floods and fire his character accords, The best of servants, but the worst of lords.