Page:Poems of Nature and Life.djvu/265

Rh And when from all thy foes once more
 * Thy blood-stained soil was free,

And hill and dale, from shore to shore.
 * In peace dwelt tranquilly.

Gladly I'd die with war's last thunder. And soundly sleep thy green earth under.

But hark ! I hear the muffled drum
 * Roll like a smothered wave;

And there the columns marching come
 * That bear me to my grave.

Farewell, dear native land! This heart Feels but one pang as now we part.

I only grieve because my eyes
 * Thy glory may not see—

That I can serve thee but with sighs,
 * Nor more lift sword for thee!

I mourn because life's fleeting breath Permits me but a single death.

Farewell, dear friends! sweet light, farewell!
 * Earth, take once more thy child;

Brief is the tale my life can tell:
 * Thou hast me undefiled.

Death, I forgive thine early spoil; Thanks that I sleep on mine own soil.

Sergeant, I come; all dread is o'er;
 * Once, once again, farewell.

Land of my birth! I love thee more,
 * O, more than tongue can tell!

Now love's last dying gift receive; Alas! I've nought but love to leave.