Page:Songs of the Affections.pdf/255

No sounds for earth?—Yes, to young chieftain dying
    On his own battle-field, at set of sun,
With his freed country's banner o'er him flying,
    Well mightst thou speak of fame's high guerdon won.

No sounds for earth?—Yes, for the martyr leading
    Unto victorious death serenely on,
For patriot by his rescued altars bleeding,
    Thou hast a voice in each majestic tone.

But speak not thus to one whose heart is beating
    Against life's narrow bound, in conflict vain!
For power, for joy, high hope, and rapturous greeting,
    Thou wak'st lone thirst—be hush'd, exulting strain!

Be hush'd, or breathe of grief!—of exile yearnings
    Under the willows of the stranger-shore;