The choice for me was clear but stark – the grapeshot or the rope;
To hang upon the gallis pole or chance The Forlorn Hope.
For poaching My Lord’s venison it was my fate to die
Or risk my life for Wellesley beneath the Spanish sky.
For men like me had but one chance to cheat the hangman’s rope
To lead the breach at Badajoz and cheat The Forlorn Hope.
