Battle of Albuera

By Lord Byron (1788–1824)

From “Childe Harold”

A battle in the Peninsula War where on May 16, 1811, the Anglo-Spanish-Portuguese army under Beresford defeated the French under Soult.

O ALBUERA, glorious field of grief!

As o’er thy plain the Pilgrim prick’d his steed,

Who could foresee thee, in a space so brief,

A scene where mingling foes should boast and bleed!

Peace to the perish’d! may the warrior’s meed

And tears of triumph their reward prolong!

Till others fall where other chieftains lead,

Thy name shall circle round the gaping throng,

And shine in worthless lays, the theme of transient song.