  To the Tune of “No one else could have done it.” At the taking of Ulm, some forty years back, “No one could have done it” but General Mack: Like “The League,” the besiegers were certainly strong, But to Mack, without doubt, did the triumph belong: “In vain,” people cried, “must have been the attack, But for one single man—gallant General Mack!” Yet “the Hero of Ulm,” doesn’t stand quite alone,— For we have a General Mack of our own; And when any strong Fortress in which he commands, Any morning is found in The Enemy’s hands, We cry till our voices are ready to crack, “Pray, who could have done it but General Mack?” In the time of old Mack, although only a lad, What delight in the name must the stripling have had! How the opening buds of political truth Must have swell’d in the heart of the generous youth, As he nobly resolved to pursue the same track, And become, in due season, a General Mack! “If perchance,” he would say, “the time ever should be, When some fortress as strong is entrusted to me— If its chosen defenders I ever should lead, Here at once is a system that’s sure to succeed! How soon may the boldest and bravest attack Be brought to an end, by a General Mack!” In days when they tell us that prophets are rare, This was, for a young one, you’ll own, pretty fair; For in due course of time, (not to dwell upon dates,) Full many a fortress had open’d its gates; And I could not admit, though I were on the rack, Any one could have done it but General Mack. On each new exploit, the same wonderment ran— “You’ll allow that this Mack is a wonderful man. All the optics of friends and of foes he defies— He is always preparing some pleasant surprise— What a squint you must have, if you see on what tack, He next is to go—honest General Mack!” Oh, gallant commander! I hear people say, These triumphs of yours have at length had their day. I will not determine how far that may be, But I’m sure they have not been forgotten by me; And a Carol for Christmas you never shall lack, As long as your name shall be General Mack! |
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