Night closed around the conqueror's way, br And lightnings show'd the distant hill, br Where those who lost that dreadful day br Stood few and faint, but fearless still. br The soldier's hope, the patriot's zeal, br For ever dimm'd, for ever crost -- br Oh! who shall say what heroes feel, br When all but life and honour's lost? br br The last sad hour of freedom's dream, br And valour's task, moved slowly by, br While mute they watch'd, till morning's beam br Should rise and give them light to die.