But ever and anon A murmur of farewell Told, by its plaintive tone, That from woman's lip it fell. "Away, away o'er the foaming main !" "But, alas! that we should go," "From the homesteads, warm and low, "We will rear new homes under trees that glow, Through the green savannas, all bright and still." "But woe for that sweet shade 'Midst the birds and honey-bees!" 'All, all our own shall the forests be, As to the bound of the roebuck free! None shall say, ' Hither, no further pass!' We will track each step through the wavy grass; "But oh! the grey church-tower, "We will give the names of our fearless race "But who shall teach the flowers, -Home, home and friends, farewell "" THE KING OF ARRAGON'S LAMENT 211 THE KING OF ARRAGON'S LAMENT FOR HIS BROTHER. "If I could see him, it were well with me!" THERE were lights and sounds of revelling in the vanquish'd city's halls, As by night the feast of victory was held within its walls; And the conquerors fill'd the wine-cup high, after years of bright blood shed; [the dead. But their lord, the King of Arragon, 'midst the triumph, wail'd He look'd down from the fortress won, on the tents and towers below [his brow; The moonlit sea, the torchlit streets-and a gloom came o'er The voice of thousands floated up, with the horn and cymbal tone; But his heart, 'midst that proud music, felt more utterly alone. And he cried, "Thou art mine, fair city! thou city of the sea! roll, And the soft breath of thine orange-bowers is mournful to my 'My brother! oh, my brother! thou art gone--the true and brave, And the haughty joy of victory hath died upon thy grave; There are many round my throne to stand, and to march where I lead on; [gone! There was one to love me in the world-my brother! thou art "In the desert, in the battle, in the ocean-tempest's wrath, We stood together, side by side; one hope was ours-one path; Thou hast wrapp'd me in thy soldier's cloak, thou hast fenced me with thy breast; [and best! Thou hast watch'd beside my couch of pain-oh! bravest heart "I see the festive lights around;-o'er a dull sad world they shine; I hear the voice of victory-my Pedro! where is thine? The only voice in whose kind tone my spirit found reply! Oh, brother! I have bought too dear this hollow pageantry! "I have hosts, and gallant fleets, to spread my glory and my sway, [away! And chiefs to lead them fearlessly; my friend hath pass'd *The grief of Ferdinand, King of Arragon, for the loss of his brother, Don Pedro, who was killed during the siege of Naples, is affectingly described by the historian Mariana. It is also the subject of one of the old Spanish Ballads in Lockhart's beautiful collection. For the kindly look, the word of cheer, my heart may thirst in vain, And the face that was as light to mine-it cannot come again! crown; "I have made thy blood, thy faithful blood, the offering for a [cold renown; With love, which earth bestows not twice, I have purchased How often will my weary heart 'midst the sounds of triumph die, When I think of thee, my brother! thou flower of chivalry! "I am lonely-I am lonely! this rest is even as death! [breath; Let me hear again the ringing spears, and the battle-trumpet's Let me see the fiery charger foam, and the royal banner wave, But where art thou, my brother? where ?-in thy low and early grave!" And louder swell'd the songs of joy through that victorious. night, [light; And faster flow'd the red wine forth, by the stars' and torches' But low and deep, amidst the mirth, was heard the conqueror's moan [gone!" "My brother! oh, my brother! best and bravest thou art THE RETURN. HAST thou come with the heart of thy childhood back? The free, the pure, the kind ?” -So murmur'd the trees in my homeward track, As they play'd to the mountain wind. "Hath thy soul been true to its early love?" Whisper'd my native streams; "Hath the spirit nursed amidst hill and grove, Still revered its first high dreams?" "Hast thou borne in thy bosom the holy prayer -Thus breathed a voice on the thrilling air, "Hast thou kept thy faith with the faithful dead, With the father's blessing o'er thee shed, With the mother's trusting eye ?" Then my tears gush'd forth in sudden rain, I bring not my childhood's heart again "I have turn'd from my first pure love aside, THE VAUDOIS' WIFE. Light after light, in my soul have died “And the holy prayer from my thoughts hath pass'd— Darken'd and troubled I come at last, Home of my boyish glee! "But I bear from my childhood a gift of tears, To soften and atone; And oh! ye scenes of those bless'd years, They shall make me again your own.' 213 THE VAUDOIS' WIFE. "Clasp me a little longer, on the brink Of fate! while I can feel thy dear caress; That thou hast been to me all tenderness, And friend, to more than human friendship just. And by the hopes of an immortal trust, God shall assuage thy pangs, when I am laid in dust. Gertrude of Wyoming. THY Voice is in mine ear, beloved! Thy look is in my heart, Thy bosom is my resting-place, And yet I must depart. Earth on my soul is strong-too strong Too precious is its chain, All woven of thy love, dear friend, Yet vain-though mighty-vain! Thou see'st mine eye grow dim, beloved' Bow to the chastener silently, And calmly let me go! A little while between our hearts Yet have we for their communing Alas! thy tears are on my cheek, I know that from thine agony *The wife of a Vaudois leader, in one of the attacks made on the Protestant hamlets, received a mortal wound, and died in her husband's arms, exhorting him to courage and endurance. Best, kindest, weep not ;-make the pang But calm thee! Let the thought of death The voice that must be silent soon, A token of consoling love, Even from this hour of strife. I bless thee for the noble heart, Where mine hath found the happiest rest I bless thee, faithful friend and guide, I bless thee for kind looks and words For the voice which ne'er to mine replied But in kindly tones of cheer; For every spring of happiness My soul hath tasted here! I bless thee for the last rich boon The right to gaze on death with thee, And yet more for the glorious hope Even to these moments given Did not thy spirit ever lift The trust of mine to Heaven? Now be thou strong! Oh, knew we not, A shadow and a trembling still Were mingled with our bliss! We plighted our young hearts when storms Were dark upon the sky, In full, deep knowledge of their task Be strong! I leave the living voice With the thousand echoes of the hills, |