SONG OF MARION'S MEN. OUR band is few, but true and tried, Our leader frank and bold; The British soldier trembles When Marion's name is told. As seamen know the sea. We know its walls of thorny vines, Wo to the English soldiery SONG OF MARION'S MEN. 123 And they who fly in terror deem A mighty host behind, And hear the tramp of thousands Upon the hollow wind. Then sweet the hour that brings release From danger and from toil : We talk the battle over, And share the battle's spoil. The woodland rings with laugh and shout, As if a hunt were up, To crown the soldier's cup. That in the pine-top grieves, And slumber long and sweetly, On beds of oaken leaves. Well knows the fair and friendly moon The glitter of their rifles, The scampering of their steeds. That lifts their tossing manes. Before the peep of day. 124 SONG OF MARION'S MEN. Grave men there are by broad Santee, Grave men with hoary hairs, SONG. Dost thou idly ask to hear Woo the fair one, when around Early herbs are springing: When the brookside, bank, and grove, All with blossoms laden, Shine with beauty, breathe of love, Woo the timid maiden. Woo her when, with rosy blush, Summer eve is sinking; When, on rills that softly gush, Stars are softly winking; When, through boughs that knit the bower, Woo her, till the gentle hour Woo her, when autumnal dies Youth is passing over, Warn her, ere her bloom is past, To secure her lover. Woo her, when the northwinds call At the lattice nightly; Blaze the fagots brightly; Sweeps the landscape hoary Love's delightful story. |