My Mind and its Thoughts, in Sketches, Fragments, and Essays

“I know a Song”—the magic of whose power,
Can save the warrior in destruction's hour;
From the fierce foe his falling vengeance charm,
And wrest the weapon from his nervous arm.

2d.

I know a Song, which when in bonds I lay,
Broke from the grinding chain its links away,
While the sweet notes their swelling numbers roll'd,
Back fly the bolts, the trembling gates unfold,
Free as the breeze the elastic limbs advance,
Course the far field, or braid the enlivening dance.

3d.

I know a Song, to mend the heart designed,
Quenching the fiery passions of mankind;
When lurking rage, and deadly hate combine,
To charm the serpent of revenge, is mine.

4th.

I know a Song, that when the wild winds blow,
To bend the monarchs of the forest low,
If to the lay my warbling voice incline,
Waking the varied tones with skill divine;
Hushed are the gales, the spirit of the storm
Calms his bleak breath, and smooths his furrowed form,
The day looks up, the moistened hills serene,
Through the faint clouds exalt their sparkling green.

University of Virginia Library

IMITATION,

IN ENGLISH VERSE, OF THE SONG OF THE RUNIC BARD.

[1st.]

2d.

3d.

4th.