Page:Felicia Hemans in The Literary Gazette 1824.pdf/3



- - -"Henry I. (after the loss of Prince William) entertained hopes, for three days, that his son had put into some distant port of England; but when certain intelligence of the calamity was brought him, he fainted away; and it was remarked, that he never afterwards was seen to smile, nor ever recovered his wonted cheerfulness."—Hume.

The bark that held a Prince went down, The sweeping waves roll'd on; And what was England's glorious crown To him that wept a Son? He lived—for life may long be borne Ere sorrow break its chain! Why comes not Death to those that mourn? —He never smil'd again!

There stood proud forms around his throne, The stately and the brave; But which could fill the place of one, That one beneath the wave? Before him pass'd the young and fair In Pleasure's reckless train; But seas dash'd o'er his son's bright hair,— He never smil'd again!

He sat where festal bowls went round, He heard the minstrel sing; He saw the tourney's victor crown'd    Amidst the knightly ring. A murmur of the restless deep Seem'd blent with every strain, A voice of winds that would not sleep— He never smil'd again!

Hearts, in that time, clos'd o'er the trace Of vows once fondly pour'd, And strangers took the kinsman's place At many a joyous board. Graves which true love had wash'd with tears Were left to Heaven's bright rain; Fresh hopes were born for other years— He never smil'd again!F.