So rapid flows the unimprison'd stream!
So strong the force of MINDELHEIM!
In vain the woods of Audenard
Would shield the Gaul, a fenceless guard.
As soon may whirl-winds be with-held,
As MARLB'ROUGH'S footsteps o'er the foaming Scheld.
In vain the torrent would oppose,
In vain arm'd banks, and hosts of foes:
The foes with coward-haste retire,
Fly faster than the river flows,
And swifter than our fire.
Vendosme from far upbraids their shame,
And pleads his royal master's fame.
"By Condè's mighty ghost," he cries,
"By Turenne, Luxemburgh, and all
"Those noble souls, who fell a sacrifice
"At Lens, at Fleurus, and at Landen fight,
"Stop, I conjure, your ignominious flight."
But Fear is deaf to Honour's call.
Each frowning threat and soothing pray'r
Is lost in the regardless air:
As well he may
The billows of the ocean stay;
While CHURCHILL like a driving wind,
Or high spring-tide, pursues behind,
And with redoubled speed urges their forward way.