ABRUPTLY paused the strife;--the field throughout br Resting upon his arms each warrior stood, br Checked in the very act and deed of blood, br With breath suspended, like a listening scout. br O Silence! thou wert mother of a shout br That through the texture of yon azure dome br Cleaves its glad way, a cry of harvest home br Uttered to Heaven in ecstasy devout! br The barrier Rhine hath flashed, through battle-smoke, br On men who gaze heart-smitten by the view, br As if all Germany had felt the shock! br --Fly, wretched Gauls! ere they the charge renew br Who have seen--themselves now casting off the yoke-- br The unconquerable Stream his course pursue.