Page:Felicia Hemans in The New Monthly Magazine Volume 17 1826.pdf/19



She led them even to the Kaiser's place, And still before him stood; Till with strange wonder, o'er his face Flush'd the proud warrior-blood: And "Speak, my mother! speak!" he cried, "Wherefore this mourning vest? And the clinging children by thy side,    In weeds of sadness drest?"

"Well may a mourning vest be mine,    And theirs, my son, my son! Look on the features of thy line     In each fair little one! Though grief awhile within their eyes     Hath tamed the dancing glee, Yet there thine own quick spirit lies—     Thy brother's children see!

"And where is he, thy brother, where?    He, in thy home that grew, And smiling with his sunny hair,     Ever to greet thee flew! How would his arms thy neck entwine,     His fond lips press thy brow! My son! oh! call these orphans thine—     Thou hast no brother now!

"What! from their gentle eyes doth nought    Speak of thy childhood's hours, And smite thee with a tender thought     Of thy dead father's towers? Kind was thy boyish heart and true,     When rear'd together there, Through the old woods like fawns ye flew—     Where is thy brother—where?

"Well didst thou love him then, and he    Still at thy side was seen! How is it that such things can be,     As though they ne'er had been? Evil was this world's breath, which came     Between the good and brave! Now must the tears of grief and shame     Be offer'd to the grave!

And let them, let them there be pour'd!    Though all unfelt below, Thine own wrung heart, to love restored, Shall soften as they flow. Oh! Death is mighty to make peace, Now bid his work be done! So many an inward strife shall cease— Take, take these babes, my son!"

His eye was dimm'd—the strong man shook With feelings long suppress'd; Up in his arms the boys he took, And strain'd them to his breast. And a shout from all in the royal hall Burst forth to hail the sight; And eyes were wet, midst the brave that met At the Kaiser's feast that night.F. H.