Page:Eight popular songs.pdf/2

 SONGS

NAPOLEON’S DREAM. One night sad and languid I went to my bed. And scarco had reelin’d on my pillow, When a vision surprising came into my head, Methought I was crossing the billow ; Methought as my vessel dash’d over the’deep, I beheld that rude rock that grows craggy and steep Ah! that rock where the willow is now seen to weep 0 'er the grave of the once-famed Napoleon.

I dreamt, as my vessel she near’d to the land, I beheld clad in green his bold figure, the trumpet of fame he clasp’d firm in his hand, On his brow there sat valour and rigour; Ah ! stranger, he cried, hast thou ventur’d to me From the land of thy fathers, who boast they are free ? If so, a true story I’ll tell unto thee. Concerning the once-famed Napoleon.

Remember that year so immortal, he cried, When I cross’d the rude Alps—fam’d in story, With the legions of France—for her sons were my pride, And I led them to honour and glory! On the plains of Marengo I tyranny hurl’d, And whenever my banner the Eagle unfurl’d, T was the standard of freedom all over the world, The signal of Fame—cried Napoleon.