Page:The Poetical Works of William Motherwell, 1849.djvu/514

 We have come from the mounds of the dead, Where hero forms lay like hewn forests; Where rivers run red in the sun, And the ravens of heaven were made glad! The Ritters ride home!

The small ones of earth pass away, As chaff they have drifted and gone. When the angry winds rush from the North, And sound their great trumpets of wrath, The tempest-steeds rush forth to battle, They plough up the earth in their course, They hollow a grave for the dead, As the share scoops a bed for the seed. The Ritters ride home!

Beautiful! beautiful! beautiful! Is the home-coming of the War-faring; Of them who have swam on the ocean; Of fountains that spring from great hearts. The sunshine of glory's around them; Their names are the burthen of songs; Their armour and banners become The richest adornments of halls. The Ritters ride home!