Page:Tales and Historic Scenes.pdf/225

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Beams with heroic beauty—and his eye Is eloquent with injured majesty. He kneels—but not to man—his heart shall own Such deep submission to his God alone! And who can tell with what sustaining power That God may visit him in fate's dread hour? How the still voice, which answers every moan, May speak of hope, when hope on earth is gone?

That solemn pause is o'er—the youth hath given One glance of parting love to earth and heaven; The sun rejoices in th' unclouded sky, Life all around him glows—and he must die! Yet 'midst his people, undismay'd, he throws The gage of vengeance for a thousand woes; Vengeance, that like their own volcano's fire, May sleep suppress'd awhile—but not expire. One softer image rises o'er his breast, One fond regret, and all shall be at rest! "Alas, for thee, my mother! who shall bear To thy sad heart the tidings of despair, When thy lost child is gone?"—that thought can thrill His soul with pangs one moment more shall still.