網頁圖片
PDF
ePub 版

Finds comfort in himself and in his cause;
And, while the mortal mist is gathering, draws
His breath in confidence of Heaven's applause;
This is the happy Warrior; this is He
Whom every Man in arms should wish to be.

The above Verses were written soon after tidings had been received of the Death of Lord Nelson, which event directed the Author's thoughts to the subject. His respect for the memory of his great fellow-countryman induces him to mention this; though he is well aware that the Verses must suffer from any connection in the Reader's mind with a Name so illustrious.

THE HORN OF EGREMONT CASTLE.

When the Brothers reach'd the gateway,
Eustace pointed with his lance

To the Horn which there was hanging;

Horn of the inheritance.

Horn it was which none could sound,

No one upon living ground,

Save He who came as nightful Heir

To Egremont's Domains and Castle fair.

Heirs from ages without record

Had the House of Lucie born,

Who of right had claim'd the Lordship
By the proof upon the Horn:

Each at the appointed hour

Tried the Horn, it own'd his power;

He was acknowledged: and the blast

Which good Sir Eustace sounded was the last.

With his lance Sir Eustace pointed,

And to Hubert thus said he,

"What I speak this Horn shall witness

"For thy better memory.

"Hear, then, and neglect me not!

"At this time, and on this spot,

"The words are utter'd from my heart,

"As

my

last earnest prayer ere we depart.

"On good service we are going

"Life to risk by sea and land;

"In which course if Christ our Saviour

"Do my sinful soul demand,

"Hither come thou back straightway,

"Hubert, if alive that day;

"Return, and sound the Horn, that we

"May have a living House still left in thee!"

"Fear not," quickly answer'd Hubert;

"As I am thy Father's son,

"What thou askest, noble Brother, "With God's favour shall be done." So were both right well content: From the Castle forth they went. And at the head of their Array

To Palestine the Brothers took their way.

[ocr errors]

Side by side they fought (the Lucies
Were a line for valour fam'd)

And where'er their strokes alighted

There the Saracens were tam'd.

Whence, then, could it come the thought,

By what evil spirit brought?

Oh! can a brave Man wish to take

His Brother's life, for Land's and Castle's sake?

"Sir!" the Ruffians said to Hubert,

'Deep he lies in Jordan flood."

Stricken by this ill assurance,

[ocr errors]

Pale and trembling Hubert stood.
"Take your earnings."-Oh! that I
Could have seen my Brother die!
It was a pang that vex'd him then;
And oft returned, again, and yet again.

« 上一頁繼續 »