Scorched Earth

In the realm of Charles did a new emperor rise,
Small but unstoppable, conquests of unknown size.
Yet to the endless east went his wanting eyes.

The Corsican from a hypocritical revolution's smoke
Through the land of the bear slowly proceeded
Never realized warm clothes his army needed
And the Berezina bridges bulgingly broke.

His forces in winter waited grimmest demise
by Swedish steel and Arctic ice.
Over scorched earth he shamedly retreated
Let this be a lesson: Cold weather be heeded