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 There was racing, and chasing, on Cannobie Lea,

But the lost bride of Netherby ne'er did they see!

So daring in love, and so dauntless in war.

Have ye e'er heard of gallant like young Lochinvar! Scott.

!—for thy tread is on an Empire's dust!

An Earthquake's spoil is sepulchred below!

Is the spot mark'd with no colossal bust?

Nor column trophied for triumphal show?

None; but the moral's truth tells simpler so.

As the ground was before, thus let it be.—

How that red rain—hath made the harvest grow!

And is this all the world has gain'd by thee,

Thou first and last of fields! king-making Victory?

There was a sound of revelry by night,

And Belgium's capital had gather'd then

Her Beauty and her Chivalry; and bright

The lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men;

A thousand hearts beat happily; and when

Music arose, with its voluptuous swell,

Soft eyes look'd love to eyes which spake again,

And all went merry as a marriage-bell;—

But hush! hark! a deep sound strikes like a rising knell!

Did ye not hear it?—No; 'twas but the wind,

Or the car rattling o'er the stony street;

On with the dance! let joy be unconfined;