Page:The Improvisatrice.pdf/301



THE GREY CROSS.

Cross stands beneath yon old beech tree; It marks a soldier's and a maiden's grave: Around it is a grove of orange-trees, With silver blossoms and with golden fruit. It was a Spaniard, whom he saved from death, Raised that Cross o'er the gallant Englishman.

He left home a young soldier, full of hope And enterprise;—he fell in his first field! There came a lovely pilgrim to his tomb, The blue-eyed girl, his own betrothed bride,—