Page:The Domestic Affections, and Other Poems.pdf/163



When all is hush'd —the rage of combat past, And no dread war-note swells the moaning blast; When the warm throb of many a heart is o'er, And many an eye is clos'd—to wake no more; Lull'd by the night-wind, pillow'd on the ground, (The dewy death-bed of his comrades round!) While o'er the slain the tears of midnight weep, Faint with fatigue, he sinks in slumbers deep! E'en then, soft visions, hov'ring round, portray, The cherish'd forms that o'er his bosom sway! He sees fond transport light each beaming face, Meets the warm tear-drop, and the long embrace! While the sweet welcome vibrates thro' his heart, "Hail, weary soldier!—never more to part!"

And, lo! at last, releas'd from ev'ry toil, He comes! the wanderer views his native soil! Then the bright raptures, words can never speak, Flash in his eye, and mantle o'er his cheek!