The Poetical Works of George Barlow In Ten [Eleven] Volumes |
 | I. |
| II. |
| III. |
 | IV. |
|
|
SONNET VI
VICTOR HUGO'S RETURN TO FRANCE IN 1870
|
|
|
|
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
 | The Poetical Works of George Barlow |  |
92
SONNET VI
VICTOR HUGO'S RETURN TO FRANCE IN 1870
Yes: the same meadows,—the horizon clear,—
The same tall poplars by the unchanged streams;
For just one moment the pale exile dreams
That sweet unchanged fair former France is here.
But what is this that seizes eye and ear?—
What is that far-off smoke,—those fiery gleams?
A sound of shouts,—a sound of women's screams,—
French soldiers, wild and blood-stained, fleeing in fear!
The same tall poplars by the unchanged streams;
For just one moment the pale exile dreams
That sweet unchanged fair former France is here.
But what is this that seizes eye and ear?—
What is that far-off smoke,—those fiery gleams?
A sound of shouts,—a sound of women's screams,—
French soldiers, wild and blood-stained, fleeing in fear!
This was his welcome. As his eager glance
Shot forth, it met a mixed ill-omened throng,—
Blue tunics flying before the Uhlans' lance;
Red-trousered weary troops who limped along;
This was the payment given by Fate and France
For nineteen years of exile and of song.
Shot forth, it met a mixed ill-omened throng,—
Blue tunics flying before the Uhlans' lance;
Red-trousered weary troops who limped along;
This was the payment given by Fate and France
For nineteen years of exile and of song.
| The Poetical Works of George Barlow | |