Though mid those woods no deer should roam,
Nor fish within these waters glide,
Though haggard famine haunt their home,
And quell their pride.
Though hatred arm oppressive foes,
And war invade their sad retreat,
Still, where their earliest breath arose,
Their last shall fleet.
CARLOMAN AND MEROVEE.
An ancient Franconian legend.
'Twas midnight on the Gaulish plains,
And foes were mustering near,
For there Franconia's legions frown'd
With battle axe and spear.
Untented on the earth they lay
Beneath a summer sky,—
While on their slumbering host, the Moon
Look'd down with wistful eye,
As if reproachfully she sigh'd
"Oh ye of transient breath!—
How can ye rise from rest so sweet
To do the deeds of death!"—
Discoursing mid the sleeping train
Two noble youths were found;
Their graceful limbs recumbent thrown
Upon the dewy ground.—
