The voice of posterity alone can make or mar that title!" "But let us hear something of this great poem," cried Lord Claud.
"As I say, it must be burning upon your tongue.

Prithee do us the grace to recite us portions of it." It was a request palatable to the eager soul of the poet, all on fire with the work which had occupied his thoughts and pen for so many long weeks.

He still kept up his pacing to and fro; but as he walked he gave utterance to the well-conned passages of his work, throwing into the words a fire and a spirit which kindled the spark in Lord Claud's eyes, and even made young Tom's heart glow with admiration and wonder, albeit he had never been the votary of letters.
If high-flown, the language of the day kept it in countenance.
Nothing simple would have found favour at that date.

And no one called the sentiments forced, even though there seemed to be slight confusion sometimes between Marlborough and the Deity.

The well-known lines upon the battle of Blenheim itself were given with a wonderful fire and force: "'Twas then great Marlbro's mighty soul was proved, That in the shock of charging hosts, unmoved Amidst confusion, horror, and despair, Examined all the dreadful scenes of war, In peaceful thought the field of death surveyed, To fainting squadrons sent the timely aid, Inspired repulsed battalions to engage, And taught the doubtful battle where to rage.
So, when an angel by divine command With rising tempest shakes a guilty land-- Such as of late o'er pale Britannia passed-- Calm and serene he drives the furious blast, And, pleased the Almighty's orders to perform, Rides in the whirlwind, and directs the storm." "Excellent! excellent!" cried Lord Claud, when the poet at last flung himself into his chair, exhausted by his own flow of eloquence.