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THE DROWNED HAMLET.
21
And in the trees were clinging some, with strength which faded fast,
And others, they had ceased to cling—their days were of the past.
A boat has left the desert shore, and see its oarsmen strong,
Against the rushing wreck and wave, make battle well and long.
That fragile bark, returning oft, receives the fainting host
Who 'scaped the flood, where haply all their best beloved were lost.
Give honour to those gallant men who fall in freedom's cause,
And to those men their meed of praise who war 'gainst wrongful laws;
But while all they who serve the weal requiting guerdons find,
Shall not the fate of those we sing full well be borne in mind?
