IT stands where northern willows weep, A temple fair and lone; Soft shadows o'er its marble sweep From cypress branches thrown; While silently around it spread, Thou feelest the presence of the dead. And what within is richly shrined? A sculptured woman's form, Lovely, in perfect rest reclined, As one beyond the storm: Yet not of death, but slumber, lies The solemn sweetness on those eyes. The folded hands, the calm pure face, The mantle's quiet flow, The gentle yet majestic grace Throned on the matron brow; These, in that scene of tender gloom, With a still glory robe the tomb. There stands an eagle, at the feet Of the fair image wrought; A kingly emblem -- nor unmeet To wake yet deeper thought: She whose high heart finds rest below Was royal in her birth and woe. There are pale garlands hung above Of dying scent and hue; She was a mother -- in her love How sorrowfully true! Oh! hallowed long be every leaf, The record of her children's grief! She saw their birthright's warrior crown Of olden glory spoiled, The standard of their sires borne down, The shield's bright blazon soiled: She met the tempest meekly brave, Then turned o'erwearied to the grave. She slumbered: but it came -- it came Her land's redeeming hour, With the glad shout, and signal flame Sent on from tower to tower! Fast through the realm a spirit moved -- 'Twas hers, the lofty and the loved. Then was her name a note that rung To rouse bold hearts from sleep; Her memory, as a banner flung Forth by the Baltic deep: Her grief, a bitter vial poured To sanctify the avenger's sword. And the crowned eagle spread again His pinion to the sun; And the strong land shook off its chain -- So was the triumph won! But woe for earth, where sorrow's tone Still blends with victory's! -- She was gone. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EPISTLE TO MISS TERESA BLOUNT, ON HER LEAVING THE TOWN by ALEXANDER POPE ZOLA by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON THE RUINS OF CORINTH by ANTIPATER OF SIDON ALMOND BLOSSOM by EDWIN ARNOLD BLUEBEARD by RUTH FITCH BARLETT WALT WHITMAN by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) |