My children they would sit and listen eager,
And bless the all-good Father who preserv'd me.
"Ah me—when war the masters of mankind,590
Woe to the poor man! If he sow the field,
He shall not reap the harvest: if he see
His blooming children rise around, his heart
Aches at the thought that they are multiplied
To the sword! Again from England the fierce foe 595
Rush'd on our ravag'd coasts. In battle bold,
Savage in conquest, their victorious King
Swept like the desolating tempest round.
Dambiere's submits—on Caen's subjected walls
Proudly in conquest wav'd the English flag.600
Bulwark of Normandy, Rouen still remain'd;
Nor unresisted round our massy walls
Fix'd they their camp. I need not tell Sir Knight
How oft and boldly on th' invading host
We burst with fierce assault impetuous forth;605
For many were the warrior Sons of Rouen.[1]
- ↑ Line 606 "Yet although the armie was strong without, there lacked not within both hardie
