A Mirror of Faith | ||
128
XXXII. The Death of Lord Derby.
The headsman's at his post:
the Earl is on his knees:
There's a murmur through the host
Like the wind on forest trees;
“In battle-field his heart beat high;
But can he like a traitor die?”
the Earl is on his knees:
There's a murmur through the host
Like the wind on forest trees;
“In battle-field his heart beat high;
But can he like a traitor die?”
The Earl's last prayer is said:
the sorrowing Priests retire!
But, as he turn'd his head,
He saw a distant spire:
Tipp'd with the yellow light, afar
It shineth like some peaceful star.
the sorrowing Priests retire!
But, as he turn'd his head,
He saw a distant spire:
Tipp'd with the yellow light, afar
It shineth like some peaceful star.
“I pray, Sirs, turn the block:
All for the Church's name
I've faced the battle-shock,
I die this death of shame:
And I would fain that church might be
The last of earth mine eyes shall see.”
All for the Church's name
I've faced the battle-shock,
I die this death of shame:
And I would fain that church might be
The last of earth mine eyes shall see.”
129
They would not hear his prayer:
“Well! be it as ye will!
My soul will soon be there
Where ye can do no ill.
Lead on, Sirs!” Long his fame endure,
The Martyr-chief of Bolton-Moor!
“Well! be it as ye will!
My soul will soon be there
Where ye can do no ill.
Lead on, Sirs!” Long his fame endure,
The Martyr-chief of Bolton-Moor!
A Mirror of Faith | ||