And when they smiled because he deemed it near,
His heart more truly knew that peal too well[1]
Which stretched his father on a bloody bier,
And roused the vengeance blood alone could quell;
He rushed into the field, and, foremost fighting, fell.
XXIV.
Ah! then and there was hurrying to and fro—
And gathering tears, and tremblings of distress,[2]
And cheeks all pale, which but an hour ago
Blushed at the praise of their own loveliness—
And there were sudden partings, such as press[3]
The life from out young hearts, and choking sighs
Which ne'er might be repeated; who could guess
If ever more should meet those mutual eyes,
Since upon night so sweet such awful morn could rise![4]
XXV.
And there was mounting in hot haste—the steed,
The mustering squadron, and the clattering car,
Went pouring forward with impetuous speed,
- ↑
His heart replying knew that sound too well.—[MS.]
And the hoped vengeance for a Sire so dear
As him who died on Jena—whom so well
His filial heart had mourned through many a year
Roused him to valiant fury nought could quell.—[MS. erased.] - ↑ —— tremors of distress.—[MS.]
- ↑
—— which did press
Like death upon young hearts ——.—[MS.] - ↑ Oh that on night so soft, such heavy morn should rise.—[MS.]
