 | The battle of Niagara |  |
But those who heard the voice he sent
When battle was his theme:
Who saw his gorgeous vestment rent—
His quenchless eye—the lights that went
Beneath his brow of gathered might,
Like meteors that go forth at night,
In one continual stream!
And those who heard his ardent cry,
And all his harp-strings pealing high:
Who saw his stern, uplifted brow—
His sweeping arm—his vestment flow—
The heaving of his youthful chest,
Beneath his mailed and glittering vest—
Who marked the martial belt that bound
His youthful form so closely round—
His attitude—so proud and high—
With look uplifted to the sky—
And outstretched arm, and waving hand,
As if it shook a conquering brand—
And high plumed bonnet—nodding low,
Whene'er he trod, as if it gave
To some young, supplicating foe,
A rescue o'er an opening grave!—
Yes! those who saw all this, would feel
Enthusiasm o'er them steal
So unexpectedly,—they stood,
Like men, who, 'mid a solitude,
Have heard a sudden trumpet-peal!
When battle was his theme:
Who saw his gorgeous vestment rent—
His quenchless eye—the lights that went
Beneath his brow of gathered might,
184
In one continual stream!
And those who heard his ardent cry,
And all his harp-strings pealing high:
Who saw his stern, uplifted brow—
His sweeping arm—his vestment flow—
The heaving of his youthful chest,
Beneath his mailed and glittering vest—
Who marked the martial belt that bound
His youthful form so closely round—
His attitude—so proud and high—
With look uplifted to the sky—
And outstretched arm, and waving hand,
As if it shook a conquering brand—
And high plumed bonnet—nodding low,
Whene'er he trod, as if it gave
To some young, supplicating foe,
A rescue o'er an opening grave!—
Yes! those who saw all this, would feel
Enthusiasm o'er them steal
So unexpectedly,—they stood,
Like men, who, 'mid a solitude,
Have heard a sudden trumpet-peal!
| The battle of Niagara | |