Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BATTLEFIELD, by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BATTLEFIELD, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I looked on the field where the battle was
Last Line: A grave with its tenants unwept and forgot!
Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, Felicia Dorothea
Subject(s): War


I LOOKED on the field where the battle was spread,
When thousands stood forth in their glancing array;
And the beam from the steel of the valiant was shed
Through the dun-rolling clouds that o'er-shadowed the fray.

I saw the dark forest of lances appear,
As the ears of the harvest unnumbered they stood;
I heard the stern shout as the foemen drew near,
Like the storm that lays low the proud pines of the wood.

Afar the harsh notes of the war-drum were rolled,
Uprousing the wolf from the depth of his lair;
On high to the gust stream'd the banner's red fold,
O'er the death-close of hate, and the scowl of despair.

I look'd on the field of contention again,
When the sabre was sheathed and the tempest had past;
The wild weed and thistle grew rank on the plain,
And the fern softly sighed in the low, wailing blast.

Unmoved lay the lake in its hour of repose,
And bright shone the stars through the sky's deepened blue;
And sweetly the song of the night-bird arose,
Where the fox-glove lay gemmed with its pearl-drops of dew.

But where swept the ranks of that dark, frowning host,
As the ocean in might, as the storm-cloud in speed?
Where now are the thunders of victory's boast --
The slayer's dread wrath, and the strength of the steed?

Not a time-wasted cross, not a mouldering stone,
To mark the lone scene of their shame or their pride;
One grass-covered mound told the traveller alone
Where thousands lay down in their anguish, and died!

O Glory! behold thy famed guerdon's extent:
For this, toil thy slaves through their earth-wasting lot --
A name like the mist, when the night-beams are spent;
A grave with its tenants unwept and forgot!





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