Spanish Guerillas, 1811

Composed 1811.--Published 1815

Classed among the "Sonnets dedicated to Liberty."--ED.

They seek, are sought; to daily battle led, Shrink not, though far outnumbered by their Foes, For they have learnt to open and to close The ridges of grim war;[A] and at their head Are captains such as erst their country bred Or fostered, self-supported chiefs,--like those Whom hardy Rome was fearful to oppose; Whose desperate shock the Carthaginian fled. In One who lived unknown a shepherd's life Redoubted Viriatus breathes again;[B] And Mina, nourished in the studious shade,[C] With that great Leader[D] vies, who, sick of strife And bloodshed, longed in quiet to be laid In some green island of the western main.