The poetical works of John Nicholson ... Carefully edited from the original editions, with additional notes and a sketch of his life and writings. By W. G. Hird |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 | The poetical works of John Nicholson |  |
What names extinct, and families no more,
Since Craven youths the vales and hills marched o'er!
Some names, who then to nothing could aspire,
Are titled now with baron, knight, or squire;
While those who noblest courage there displayed,
Are hid in Time's impenetrable shade—
Those who from Barden cheerful marched away,
To reach their homes the next approaching day,
When, through respect, the ladies carried far,
For those they loved, the weapons used in war.
One youth a quiver takes, and proudly walks,
While of the battle his brave brother talks;
Another in a helmet takes delight,
And sore regrets he was not at the fight.
Thus to their hamlet each one hastes away,
To tell their kindred of the bloody day;
Mothers, expectant, saw their sons return,
Wept tears of joy, and there forgot to mourn.
Peace and soft rural charms the warriors greet,
And Scotland never more durst Craven meet.
When Sabbath comes, to Bolton each repairs,
And praise is followed by the fervent prayers;
Warrior and yeoman, peasant, join the throng,
And help to make the Jubilate strong;
And hundreds went on Clifford's form to gaze,
Who for the triumph gave his God the praise.
Since Craven youths the vales and hills marched o'er!
55
Are titled now with baron, knight, or squire;
While those who noblest courage there displayed,
Are hid in Time's impenetrable shade—
Those who from Barden cheerful marched away,
To reach their homes the next approaching day,
When, through respect, the ladies carried far,
For those they loved, the weapons used in war.
One youth a quiver takes, and proudly walks,
While of the battle his brave brother talks;
Another in a helmet takes delight,
And sore regrets he was not at the fight.
Thus to their hamlet each one hastes away,
To tell their kindred of the bloody day;
Mothers, expectant, saw their sons return,
Wept tears of joy, and there forgot to mourn.
Peace and soft rural charms the warriors greet,
And Scotland never more durst Craven meet.
When Sabbath comes, to Bolton each repairs,
And praise is followed by the fervent prayers;
Warrior and yeoman, peasant, join the throng,
And help to make the Jubilate strong;
And hundreds went on Clifford's form to gaze,
Who for the triumph gave his God the praise.
| The poetical works of John Nicholson | |