After the Battle

We crown'd the hard-won heights at length,
Baptiz'd in flame and fire;
We saw the foeman's sullen strength,
That grimly made retire —

Saw close at hand, then saw more far
Beneath the battle-smoke
The ridges of his shatter'd war,
That broke and ever broke.

But one, an English household's pride,
Dear many ways to me,
Who climb'd that death-path by my side,
I sought, but could not see.

Last seen, what time our foremost rank
That iron tempest tore;
He touch'd, he scal'd the rampart bank —
Seen then, and seen no more.