Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1829.pdf/22



The Conqueror went forth, like the storm over ocean, His chariot-wheels red with the blood of the vanquished; Nations grew pale at the sound of his trumpet, Thousands rose up at the wave of his banners, And the valleys were white with the bones of the slain. He stood on a mountain, no foeman was near him, Heavy and crimson his banner was waving O'er the plain where his victories were written in blood, And he welcomed the wound whence his life's tide was flowing; For death is the seal to the conqueror's fame.

But the youngest went forth with his lute—and the valleys Were filled with the sweetness that sighed from its strings; Maidens, whose dark eyes but opened on palaces, Wept as at twilight they murmured his words. He sang to the exile the songs of his country, Till he dreamed for a moment of hope and of home; He sang to the victor, who loosened his captives, While the tears of his childhood sprang into his eyes. He died—and his lute was bequeathed to the cypress, And his tones to the hearts that loved music and song.