Page:Oriental Sketches Dramatic Sketches and Tales.pdf/148

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139

By heroes little valued, never fell
A useless sacrifice at his command.
How beautiful, and like a god he stood,
Amid the grateful people he had saved
From war's red scourge; his eagle eye was bent
In gentle fondness o'er them. Chronicled
In brass and marble to a distant age,
His deeds shall proudly stand: but oh, above
Earth's bright renown, for him the widow's prayer
The orphan's blessing shall ascend to Heaven.

Julian.

    The dearest meed of valour is the praise
That flows from pure unsullied female lips.
Fair Veronica, 'tis the proudest boast
Of brave Geraldi, that his deeds have won
Thy virtuous love. Kings may bestow rich gifts,
Honours, and titles; Fame may twine a wreath
Of bright and fadeless laurels, and the soul
That covets immortality must prize
The splendid trophies. Yet the human heart