Valenciennes Thomas Hardy

       &nbsp We trenched, we trumpeted and drummed,
And from our mortars tons of iron hummed
       &nbsp Ath'art the ditch, the month we bombed
       &nbsp       &nbsp The Town o' Valencieen.

       &nbsp 'Twas in the June o' Ninety-dree
(The Duke o' Yark our then Commander been)
       &nbsp The German Legion, Guards, and we
       &nbsp       &nbsp Laid siege to Valencieen.

       &nbsp This was the first time in the war
That French and English spilled each other's gore;
       &nbsp —Few dreamt how far would roll the roar
       &nbsp       &nbsp Begun at Valencieen!

       &nbsp 'Twas said that we'd no business there
A-topperen the French for disagreen;
       &nbsp However, that's not my affair -
       &nbsp       &nbsp We were at Valencieen.

       &nbsp Such snocks and slats, since war began
Never knew raw recruit or veteran:
       &nbsp Stone-deaf therence went many a man
       &nbsp       &nbsp Who served at Valencieen.

       &nbsp Into the streets, ath'art the sky,
A hundred thousand balls and bombs were fleen;
       &nbsp And harmless townsfolk fell to die
       &nbsp       &nbsp Each hour at Valencieen!