Page:Deserter.pdf/7

                            (  7  ) The youth returning thro' the gloom, At midnight’s secret hour, As sieiz’d—and to dishonour’s tomb Doom’d by the martial pow’r.

meet his fate at wake of day Love’s victim) he was led, While to the chief he said :
 * weakness did his cheek betray,

If in the battle death I’ve dar’d. In all its horror drefs’d, Think not this scene by thee prepar’d, Sheds terror on my breast :

Yet at Maria’s helpless fate. My fortitude impairs, Unman’d I sink beneath the weight Of her oppressive cares:

Ah ! when her grief-torn heart shall bleed Some little solace grant, Oh guard her in the hour of need From the rude hand of want."

By kneeling on the fatal spot, He twin’d the dark’ning band : Reluctant took their stand.
 * twelve who drew th’ unwelcome lot.

Twas silence all—fave where, Intervals, the mournful drum Struck horror on the ear.
 * now the murm’ring throng grew dumb,