CANTO XIV.

DEFEAT ON THE MIAMI.

ARGUMENT.

Reinforcements arrive from Kentucky. The fort is summoned to surrender. Elliot driven from his position on the west. The ambuscade. Death of Dudley. A remnant save themselves by breaking through the enemy.

The scene is laid at Fort Meigs and on the banks of the Miami. The time is eight hours.

FREDONIAD.

CANTO XIV.

WHEN by the moon appearing in the east,
Abash'd th' invaders their explosions ceas'd,
Shelby, Harrison, by themselves withdrew,
Their country's welfare ever in their view-
To plan a method Proctor to defeat,
Or drive him back, or bring him to their feet.
By balancing the weight of either side,
In this position they at length abide-
Patient their active measures to delay,
Till Dudley should arrive, Adair, or Clay-
Of whom eight captains should in column land

Where Elliot stood and smite him with the brand,
While from the fort a sortie should proceed

To raise the siege, or in the effort bleed.

While these events were passing-led by Clay, The bold Kentuckians had pursu'd their way;

Dudley,-then Boswell,-Meade was next in grade,
Morrison-Trimble was the general's aid-
Since worthy found and honour'd with a seat
In Freedom's Hall, where sages, patriots meet.
The Muse would blush for want of gratitude,
Were she to pass the name of Underwood.

Down the Miami in light heels they run
To reach the foe that had the murders done;
And while that Shelby in his wisdom plann'd
And Harrison-to rout them from the land-
Twelve furlongs reaching from where Reynolds stood,
They leap'd to shore rejoicing from the flood;

Trimble with urgency was sent to learn,

Where they against the enemy should turn.

As back from earth the shades of night were driven, The morn appearing at the gate of heaven, Trimble with artfulness the guards had pass'd, When backward they on their position fac'd; So soft eluding were his cautious feet, To watch his time that nothing might defeat The yearnings of his heart to reach the fort, And bear the welcome message of support.

He forth to Harrison and Shelby strode(Their chiefs around) and thus his coming show'd: "I've 'scaped, thank heaven, the dangers of the night, My tongue to you a promise to recite-

A promise that my soul forebodes will be
Fulfill'd with honour to your memory: