Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 34, Page 857
SONGS OF CAPTIVITY.*[1]
BY MRS HEMANS.
One hour for distant home to weep,
Midst Afric's burning sands,
One silent sunset hour was given
To the slaves of many lands.
They sat beneath a lonely palm,
In the gardens of their Lord,
And mingling with the fountain's tune,
Their songs of exile pour'd.
And strangely, sadly, did those lays
Of Alp and Ocean sound,
With Afric's wild red skies above,
And solemn wastes around.
Broken with tears were oft their tone,
And most when most they tried
To breathe of hope and liberty,
From hearts that inly died.
So met the sons of many lands,
Parted by mount and main,
So did they sing in brotherhood,
Made kindred by the chain.
- ↑
* These songs (with the exception of the fifth,) have been set to music by the author's sister, and are in the possession of Messrs Willis and Co.
