The Sexton's Tale: And Other Poems

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Sheldon, 1867 - 173 pages
 

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Page 143 - Tis madness to resist or blame The force of angry Heaven's flame: And, if we would speak true, Much to the man is due, Who, from his private gardens, where He lived reserved and austere, As if his highest plot To plant the bergamot, Could by industrious valour climb To ruin the great work of time, And cast the kingdoms old Into another mould.
Page 130 - By the brave blood that floweth like a river, Hurl Thou a thunderbolt from out Thy quiver ! "> Break Thou the strong gates ! Every fetter shiver ! • Smite and deliver! Slay Thou our foes, or turn them to derision ! — Then, in the blood-red Valley of Decision, Make the land green with Peace, as in a vision Of fields Elysian ! 1862.
Page 25 - A kingly king is he Who keeps his people free! Toll, Roland, toll! Ring out across the sea! No longer They but We Have now such need of thee! Toll, Roland, toll! Nor ever may thy throat Keep dumb its warning note Till Freedom's perils be outbraved!
Page 167 - Now you see his wings of silk Drabbled in the Baby's milk ! Fie, oh, fie ! Foolish Fly! How will he get dry ? All wet flies Twist their thighs, So they wipe their heads and eyes.
Page 46 - Even this shall pass away." Trains of camels through the sand Brought him gems from Samarcand; Fleets of galleys through the seas Brought him pearls to match with these. But he counted not his gain Treasures of the mine or main; "What is wealth?" the King would say; "Even this shall pass away.
Page 164 - Rainbows on his back are spread ; That small speck Is his neck ; See him nod and beck. I can show you, if you choose, Where to look to find his shoes — Three small pairs, Made of hairs; These he always wears.
Page 45 - Once in Persia reigned a king Who upon his signet ring Graved a maxim true and wise, Which if held before his eyes, Gave him counsel at a glance Fit for every change and chance, Solemn words, and these are they: "Even this shall pass away.
Page 64 - I laid my finger on her lips, and set the child to playing. Poor Blanche! the winter in her cheek was snowy like her name! What could she do but kneel and pray, — and linger at her praying? O Christ! when other heroes die, moan other wives the same? Must other women's hearts yet break, to keep the Cause from failing? God pity our brave lovers then, who face the battle's blaze ! And pity wives in widowhood! — But it is unavailing ! O Lord!
Page 47 - Even this shall pass away." Fighting on a furious field, Once a javelin pierced his shield; Soldiers with a loud lament Bore him bleeding to his tent; Groaning from his tortured side, "Pain is hard to bear," he cried, "But with patience, day by day, — Even this shall pass away.
Page 23 - Bavon's tower — Not now at midnight hour — Not now from River Scheldt to Zuyder Zee, But here, — this side the sea ! — Toll here, in broad, bright day ! — For not by night awaits A noble foe without the gates, But perjured friends within *betray, And do the deed at noon ! Toll! Roland, toll! Thy sound is not too soon ! To Arms ! Ring out the Leader's call! Reecho it from East to West Till every hero's breast Shall swell beneath a soldier's crest!

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