William Topaz McGonagall

“ And when over, each man stood in the ranks as firm as a rock,
And every man seemed to be on his guard –
All silent and ready to move forward.
The first movement was a short one from where they lay –
Then they began to advance towards El-Teb without dismay,
And showed that all was in order for the fray,
While every man’s heart seemed to feel light and gay.
The enemy’s position could be seen in the distance far away
But the brave heroes marched on without delay –
Whilst the enemy’s banners floated in the air,
And dark swarms of men were scattered near by there. ”

“ By two o’clock they were fairly beat,
And Osman Digna, the false prophet, was forced to retreat
After three hours of an incessant fight;
But Heaven, ’tis said, defends the right.
And I think he ought to be ashamed of himself ”