National Lyrics, and Songs for Music/The Fall of D'Assas
THE FALL OF D'ASSAS.
A BALLAD OF FRANCE.
The Chevalier D'Assas, called the French Decius, fell nobly whilst reconnoitering a wood, near Closterkamp, by night. He had left his Regiment, that of Auvergne, at a short distance, and was suddenly surrounded by an ambuscade of the enemy, who threatened him with instant death if he made the least sign of their vicinity. With their bayonets at his breast, he raised his voice, and calling aloud "A moi, Auvergne! ce sont les ennemis![1]" fell, pierced with mortal blows.
THE FALL OF D'ASSAS.
A BALLAD OF FRANCE.
Alone thro' gloomy forest-shades
A soldier went by night;
No moonbeam pierced the dusky glades,
No star shed guiding light.
Yet on his vigil's midnight round,
The youth all cheerly pass'd;
Uncheck'd by aught of boding sound
That mutter'd in the blast.
Where were his thoughts that lonely hour?
—In his far home, perchance;
His father's hall, his mother's bower,
Midst the gay vines of France:
Wandering from battles lost and won,
To hear and bless again
The rolling of the wide Garonne,
Or murmur of the Seine.
—Hush! Hark!—did stealing steps go by?
Came not faint whispers near?
No! the wild wind hath many a sigh,
Amidst the foliage sere.
Hark, yet again!—and from his hand,
What grasp hath wrench'd the blade?
—Oh! single midst a hostile band,
Young soldier! thou'rt betray'd!
"Silence!" in under-tones they cry—
"No whisper—not a breath!
The sound that warns thy comrades nigh
Shall sentence thee to death."
—Still, at the bayonet's point he stood,
And strong to meet the blow;
And shouted, midst his rushing blood,
"Arm, arm, Auvergne! the foe!"
The stir, the tramp, the bugle-call—
He heard their tumults grow;
And sent his dying voice thro' all—
"Auvergne, Auvergne! the foe!"
- ↑ errata