On the Fly Leaf of Erckmann-Chatrian's novel entitled Madame Thérèse

On the Fly-Leaf of Erckmann-Chatrian's Novel Entitled"Madame Thérèse."

Wavered the foremost soldiers,—then fell back.Fallen was their leader, and loomed right beforeThe sullen Prussian cannon, grim and black,With lighted matches waving. Now, once more,Patriots and veterans!—Ah! 'Tis in vain!Back they recoil, though bravest of the brave;No human troops may stand that murderous rain;But who is this—that rushes to a grave?

It is a woman,—slender, tall, and brown!She snatches up the standard as it falls,—In her hot haste tumbles her dark hair down,And to the drummer-boy aloud she callsTo beat the charge; then forwards on the pontThey dash together;—who could bear to seeA woman and a child, thus Death confront,Nor burn to follow them to victory?

I read the story and my heart beats fast!Well might all Europe quail before thee, France,Battling against oppression! Years have past,Yet of that time men speak with moistened glance.Va-nu-pieds! When rose high your MarseillaiseMan knew his rights to earth's remotest bound,And tyrants trembled. Yours alone the praise!Ah, had a Washington but then been found!