Pickwick Abroad: or, The Tour in France — page 166: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Pickwick Abroad. 125 For whom have they prepar’d the chains That now they drag o’er verdant plains ?— Children of France! to us they come— Those chains are forg’d to fix our doom! Just heav’n! that such disgrace should fall Upon the free-born sons of Gaul ! Then let each warrior grasp his vengeful brand, And shed th’ invader’s blood to fertilize the land! What! shall we, afraid of war, Take from tyrant hands the law? _ What! shall a foreign cohort’s pride Intimidate our warriors tried? Great God! our necks can neverbe Subject to despots’ tyranny; Nor shall th’ invaders of the state Decide upon its people’s fate ! Then let each warrior grasp his vengeful brand, And shed th’ invader’s blood to fertilize the land ! Tremble, chiefs perfidious all— On your heads our curses fall! Tremble! your projects, soon made vain, Their merited return will gain ; For France has arm’d her serried bands, And plac’d her safety in their hands ; So that if hundreds fall to-day, To-morrow thousands join th’ array. Then let each warrior grasp his vengeful brand, And shed th’ invader’s blood to fertilize the land! In the darkling battle’s strife, Soldier! spare your victim’s life, When, arm’d against you in the field, Feeble and weak, he cries—‘“‘ [ yield!’’ Him may’st thou spare! But, to the grave - Shalt thou pursue the chief who gave Such dire example to the rest That tear for food their mother’s breast ! Then let each warrior grasp his vengeful brand, And shed th’ invader’s blood to fertilize the land ! Sacred fervour—patriot flame, Urge us on to deeds of fame! Freedom! assist the deadly blow That we direct against the foe! Conquest! may we to war be led, Thy banners amply o’er us spread ; And may the tyrant hosts retreat, Or beg for mercy at our feet! Then let each hero grasp the vengeful brand, And shed th’ invader’s blood to fertilize the land! *¢ Will you allow me to copy that admirable air?” said Mr. Pick- wick with a smile of satisfaction, as Mr. Hook Walker laid the paper on the table, and ladled himself out another bumper of ‘‘ Bishop.” ‘“‘ With pleasure,” returned that gentleman. ‘‘ Civility is a material point in my system;” and he might have added that thirst was too, CORnnIELOOOKS.E@