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VISION OF THE HEROES OF POLAND
55
From rank to rank, from heart to heart
A thrill of awe, a shuddering start
Runs, and from each lip is heard
Stammer'd one great signal word.

The old Titan-spirit breaks
From sleep, and to the strife awakes;—
Before the warriors on he strides,
And the sacred struggle guides.

Dawning through the misty skies
The Pyramids' dim outlines rise,
And in bright clouds crimson-tainted
Moscow's grave of flame is painted.

Like a city high of heaven
Leipsic to the sight is given,
As the powder-smoke entomb'd it,
And the flashing guns illumed it.

Now the great storm onward hurl'd
Bursts like the doomsday of the world;
North and south the heaven streams
Purpled with bloody flickering gleams.