Page:The Venetian Bracelet.pdf/310

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The gathering,, of your hardy troops: You led them, mounted on your snow-white steed.— He bade me fling to-night a double chain Of sighs and smiles, for the young warrior's truth Was sorely tried by absence. You will go, Like our bold river, into other lands, On its own proud free course; whilst I shall send After thee hopes and prayers, like the poor leaves That I have cast upon the waves to perish."   She spoke in mirth; yet as she spoke, her words Caught such a sadness in their omen tone, In silence  took her hand, and gazed Upon her face as he would picture it Within his inmost soul. A brow more fair Ne'er caught the silver softness of moonlight. Her cheek was as the mirror of her heart,