Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1829.pdf/17

This page has been validated.

14

Literary Gazette, 28th March, 1829, Page 212


ORIGINAL POETRY.

A SKETCH.

"They're passing now adown our vale;
    Come, leave the old beech-tree,
And let that humming wheel be staid;
    Come here and gaze with me.

Hark, hark, the gallant trumpet's note,
    The war-drum rolls around;
The crimson banners seem to float
    More proudly at the sound.

Those noble steeds, how each proud neck
    Bends to its rider's hand,
Although the steel-wrought rein is held
    As 't were a silken band!

How bold they ride!—as Victory sat
    Beside each snow-white crest;
Battle is in each eager eye,
    And I can dream the rest.

Each lance is gleaming in the sun,
    War meteors, how they shine!
How glorious is the soldier's lot!
    I would such lot were mine!"

She raised a sudden tearful glance
    Upon his glowing brow:
Why should her cheek be so snow-pale,
    For his is crimson now?

And her sweet face is wont to be
    The shadow of his own,
Where every passing change of his
    Is in a mirror shewn.

"Such, O my Ulric, would'st thou be
    One of yon warrior band?
Why there is death in every heart,
    And blood on every hand.