Page:Felicia Hemans in The New Monthly Magazine Volume 13 1825.pdf/6



"Dost thou see them, boy?—through the dusky pines, Dost thou see where the foeman's armour shines? Hast thou caught the gleam of the conqueror's crest? My babe! that I cradled on my breast! Wouldst thou spring from thy mother's arms with joy? —That sight hath cost thee a father, boy!"

"They have cross'd the torrent, and on they come! Woe for the mountain-hearth and home! There, where the hunter laid by his spear, There, where the lyre hath been sweet to hear, There, where I sang thee, fair babe! to sleep, Nought but the blood-stain our trace shall keep!"

"Hark! they bring music, my joyous child! What saith the trumpet to Suli's wild? Doth it light thine eye with so quick a fire, As if at a glimpse of thine armed sire? —Still!—be thou still!—there are brave men low— Thou wouldst not smile couldst thou see him now!"

"Hear'st thou the sounds of their savage mirth? —Boy, thou wert free when I gave thee birth! Free, and how cherish'd! my warrior's son! He, too, hath bless'd thee, as I have done. Ay, and unchain'd must his loved ones be,— —Freedom, young Suliote, for me and thee!"

F. H.