Page:Poems of Nature and Life.djvu/265

And when from all thy foes once more
Thy blood-stained soil was free,
And hill and dale, from shore to shore.
In peace dwelt tranquilly.
Gladly I'd die with war's last thunder.
And soundly sleep thy green earth under.

But hark ! I hear the muffled drum
Roll like a smothered wave;
And there the columns marching come
That bear me to my grave.
Farewell, dear native land! This heart
Feels but one pang as now we part.

I only grieve because my eyes
Thy glory may not see—
That I can serve thee but with sighs,
Nor more lift sword for thee!
I mourn because life's fleeting breath
Permits me but a single death.

Farewell, dear friends! sweet light, farewell!
Earth, take once more thy child;
Brief is the tale my life can tell:
Thou hast me undefiled.
Death, I forgive thine early spoil;
Thanks that I sleep on mine own soil.

Sergeant, I come; all dread is o'er;
Once, once again, farewell.
Land of my birth! I love thee more,
O, more than tongue can tell!
Now love's last dying gift receive;
Alas! I've nought but love to leave.