Page:Felicia Hemans in The Literary Souvenir 1827.pdf/9

Swiftest thou wert to battle.
    And bravest there of all—
How could I think a warrior's frame
    Thus like a flower should fall?

"I will not bear that still, cold look;—
    Rise up, thou fierce and free!
Wake as the storm wakes!—I will brook
    All, save this calm, from thee.
Lift brightly up and proudly,
    Once more thy kindling eyes!
Hath my word lost its power on earth?
    I say to thee, arise!

"Didst thou not know I loved thee well?
    Thou didst not! and art gone,
In bitterness of thought, to dwell
    Where man must dwell alone.
Come back, young fiery spirit!
    If but one hour, to learn
The secrets of the folded heart,
    That seemed to thee so stern.

"Thou wert the first, the first fair child
    That in mine arms I pressed,—
Thou wert the bright one, that has smiled
    Like summer on my breast!