The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay With Illustrations by John Gilbert |
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OF LOWLY BIRTH, BUT REGAL BEAUTY. |
 | The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay |  |
OF LOWLY BIRTH, BUT REGAL BEAUTY.
I
Of lowly birth, but regal beauty,To charm, to dazzle, and surprise;
Men gave her homage as a duty,
And bards drew rapture from her eyes.
Of spirit bold, of bearing proud,
She shone above the common crowd,
A dream of light and glory.
II
“Farewell!” exclaim'd a sailor, kneeling:“Thy smile shall light me o'er the sea;
“Remembrance of thy tears, appealing,
“Shall be my guide to victory.
“Two passions only fill my heart,
“And ever shall, till life depart,—
“Thy love, and England's glory!”
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III
“Farewell!” she said; “the tear-drops starting,“Betray my love, and not my fears;
“For through the clouds that dim our parting,
“I see the light of coming years.
“My soul rejoices in thy fame;
“And when I think upon thy name,
“I dream of England's glory!”
IV
He sought the strife where duty bore him:He fought and died, but conquering fell.
His country's tears dropp'd gushing o'er him,
And nations peal'd his funeral knell.
But she, alas! of soul so high,
Was left in poverty to die,
Though dear to England's glory!
| The Collected Songs of Charles Mackay | |