THE SOLDIER'S DREAM. Our bugles sang true for the night-cloud had low'r'd, And the centinel stars set their watch in the sky; And thousands had sunk on the ground overpow'r'd, - The weary to sleep, and the wounded to die. When reposing that night on my pallet of straw, Methought from the battle-field's dreadful array, To the home of my fathers, that welcom'd me back. I flew to the pleasant fields travers'd so oft In life's morning march, when my bosom was young; I heard my own mountain-goats bleating aloft, And knew the sweet strain that the corn-reapers sung. Then pledg'd we the wine-cup, and fondly I swore, From my home and my weeping friends never to part; My little ones kiss'd me a thousand times o'er, And my wife sobb'd aloud in her fulness of heart. Stay, stay with us-rest, thou art weary and worn:- THE TURKISH LADY. 'Twas the hour when rites unholy Call'd each Paynim voice to pray'r, And the star that faded slowly Left to dews the freshen'd air. Day her sultry fires had wasted, Calm and sweet the moonlight rose; Ev'n a captive's spirit tasted Half oblivion of his woes. Then 'twas from an Emir's palace Came an eastern lady bright: She, in spite of tyrants jealous, Saw and lov'd an English knight. • Tell me, captive, why in anguish • Foes have dragg'd thee here to dwell, • Where poor Christians as they languish 'Hear no sound of sabbath bell?" |