MISCELLANEOUS PIECES. THE HOMES OF ENGLAND. Where's the coward that would not dare To fight for such a land? Marmion. THE stately Homes of England, O'er all the pleasant land. The deer across their greensward bound Through shade and sunny gleam, And the swan glides past them with the sound Of some rejoicing stream. The merry Homes of England! What gladsome looks of household love Meet, in the ruddy light! There woman's voice flows forth in song, Or lips move tunefully along The blessed Homes of England! Is laid the holy quietness That breathes from Sabbath-hours! Solemn, yet sweet, the church-bell's chime Floats through their woods at morn; All other sounds, in that still time, Of breeze and leaf are born. The Cottage Homes of England! Through glowing orchards forth they peep, Each from its nook of leaves, And fearless there the lowly sleep, As the bird beneath their eaves. The free, fair Homes of England! Where first the child's glad spirit loves *Originally published in Blackwood's Magazine. 21 16 |