WHERE is now the smile that lighten'd Every hero's couch of rest? Where is now the hope that brighten'd Honour's eye and pity's breast? Have we lost the wreath we braided For our weary warrior men? Is the faithless olive faded? Must the bay be pluck'd again? Passing hour of sunny weather Lovely, in your light awhile, Peace and Glory, wed together, Wander'd through the blessed isle. And the eyes of peace would glisten, Dewy as a morning sun, When the timid maid would listen To the deeds her chief had done. Is the hour of dalliance over? Must the maiden's trembling feet Waft her from her warlike lover To the desert's still retreat? Fare you well! with sighs we banish Nymph so fair and guest so bright; Yet the smile, with which you vanish, Leaves behind a soothing light! Soothing light! that long shall sparkle O'er your warrior's sanguine way, Through the field where horrors darkle, Shedding hope's consoling ray! Long the smile his heart will cherish, To its absent idol true, While around him myriads perish, Glory still will sigh for you! |