By torch and trumpet fast arrayed, Then shook the hills with thunder riven, But redder yet that light shall glow 'Tis morn, but scarce yon level sun The combat deepens. On, ye brave, Few, few shall part where many meet! I Linden, or Hohenlinden, lies about twenty miles to the east of Munich. 2 Charger, war-horse. 8 Bolts of heaven, thunderbolts. 4 Where furious Frank, &c. This battle, of which Campbell was an eyewitness, was fought December 3, Campbell. 1800, between the French, or Franks, and the combined Austrians and Bavarians, some of whom were Huns (Hungarians). The French were victorious. 5 Sulphurous canopy, clouds of gunpowder smoke. 6 Munich, capital of Bavaria, DEATH OF LITTLE JIM,' THE COLLIER'S CHILD. 13 1 The Harper, or Minstrel, the poet and musician of ancient times, who traversed the country singing of love and war. He usually accompanied his songs with the harp or other instrument, and was everywhere an honoured guest. The introduction of printing rendered such an occupation less necessary, and, in the reign of Elizabeth, those who practised it denounced as rogues, vagabonds, and beggars. 2 Wizard, enchanting. 3 Goblin, a mischievous spirit. were DEATH OF LITTLE JIM,' THE COLLIER'S CHILD. The cottage was a thatched one, its outside old and mean; And oh! to see the briny tears fast flowing down her cheek, As she offered up a prayer in thought!-she was afraid to speak, Lest she might waken one she loved far dearer than her life; For she had all a mother's heart, that wretched Collier's wife. With hands uplifted, see! she kneels beside the sufferer's bed, And prays that God will spare her boy, and take herself instead : She gets her answer from the child-soft fall these words from him: 'Mother! the angels do so smile, and beckon Little Jim ! 1 'I have no pain, dear mother, now; but, oh! I am so dry ;1 Just moisten poor Jim's lips once more; and, mother, do not cry!' With gentle, trembling haste, she held a tea-cup to his lipsHe smiled to thank her-then he took three little tiny sips. 'Tell father, when he comes from work, I said "good-night!" " to him; And, mother, now I'll go to sleep.' . . Alas! poor little Jim! She saw that he was dying! The child she loved so dear Had uttered the last words she 'd ever wish to hear. Would In childhood's hour I lingered near With truth for my creed, and God for my guide; I sat and watched her many a day, When her eye grew dim, and her locks were gray; Say it is folly, and deem me weak, While the scalding drops start down my cheek; My soul from a mother's old Arm-chair. 1 Sainted, sacred. 2 Lava, burning. Lava is the molten substance which issues from the Eliza Cook. crater of a volcano during an eruption; the burning griefs of memory are likened to a stream of lava. ADDRESS TO THE CUCKOO. Hail, beauteous stranger of the grove! And woods thy welcome sing. |