To advance is to encounter dreadful danger;

But to recede, inevitable death;

His own associates would deal the blow:

  Thus led by Fate, behold upon the plain,

The adverse bands in view, and in advance.

Now Fear, Self-pity, and affected Courage,

Speak in their hideous shouts with voice scarce human;

Like that which issues from his hollow throat

Who sleeping bellows in a frightful dream.

More near their glaring eye-balls flashing meet;

Terror and Rage distorting every face,

Inflame each-other into trembling fury.

  Soft-ey'd Humanity, oh! veil thy sight!

Tis not in Rationality to view

(Even in thought) the dire ensuing scene;

For Madness, Madness reigns, and urges men

To deeds that Rationality disowns.

  Now here and there about the horrid Field,

Striding across the dying and the dead,

Stalks up a man by strength superior,

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