Page:Poems Sigourney 1827.pdf/77

Rh 

Though mid those woods no deer should roam, Nor fish within these waters glide, Though haggard famine haunt their home, And quell their pride.

Though hatred arm oppressive foes, And war invade their sad retreat, Still, where their earliest breath arose, Their last shall fleet.

 

'Twas midnight on the Gaulish plains, And foes were mustering near, For there Franconia's legions frown'd    With battle axe and spear.

Untented on the earth they lay Beneath a summer sky,— While on their slumbering host, the Moon Look'd down with wistful eye,

As if reproachfully she sigh'd    "Oh ye of transient breath!— How can ye rise from rest so sweet     To do the deeds of death!"—

Discoursing mid the sleeping train Two noble youths were found; Their graceful limbs recumbent thrown Upon the dewy ground.— 