Page:Songs of the Affections.pdf/31

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There lay the noble, the valiant, low— Aye! but one word speaks of deeper woe; There lay the loved—on each fallen head Mothers vain blessings and tears had shed; Sisters were watching in many a home For the fetter'd footstep, no more to come; Names in the prayer of that night were spoken, Whose claim unto kindred prayer was broken; And the fire was heap'd, and the bright wine pour'd, For those, now needing nor hearth nor board; Only a requiem, a shroud, a knell, And oh! ye beloved of women, farewell!