Page:Landon in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book 1838.pdf/50

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, disturbing night With a red and sudden light, Came the morning, as it knew What there was for day to do. And that ere it sank again, It must show the Lion's den.

All night long, a sullen roar, Like the billows on the shore, Sounded on the desert air, Telling who was lurking there. And the sleepless child was prest Closer to the mother's breast

Girdled by the watch-fire's ray Did we wait the coming day; And beneath the morning sun Flashed the spear and gleamed the gun. Forth we went to seek the shade Where the Lion-King was laid.

Dark the towering palm was spread, Like a giant, overhead; But the dewy grass below Served the Lion's path to show. Long green bough and flowery spray He had rent upon his way.

By the aqueduct, of old, Where the silver river rolled, Long since laid in ruins low— But there still the waters flow. Soon decayeth man's endeavour, Nature's works endure for ever.

There we found the Lion's cave- There we made the Lion's grave. Three shots echoed—three—no more, And the grass is red with gore. For the claws and skin we come— Let us bear our trophy home.