Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1823.pdf/27

26 Literary Gazette, 1st March 1823, Page 139

An Old Man standing by the dead body of a Youth I am too proud by far to weep, Though earth had nought so dear As was the Soldier Youth to me   Now sleeping on that bier. It were a stain upon his fame Would do his laurel crown a shame, To shed one single tear. It was a blessed lot to die In battle, and for liberty!

He was my first, my only child, And when my race was run, I was so proud to send him forth To do as I had done. It was his last, his only field: They brought him back upon his shield, But victory was won. I cannot weep when I recall Thy land has cause to bless thy fall.

When others tell their children all The fame that warriors win, I must sit silent, and but think On what my child had been. It is a father's joy to see The young eyes glow exultingly When warlike tales begin; And yet I know no living one I would change for my sleeping Son.