The bright blood left that youthful mother's cheek; Back on the linden-stem she lean'd her form, And her lip trembled, as it strove to speak, Like a frail harp-string, shaken by the storm. 'Twas but a moment, and the faintness pass'd, And the free Alpine spirit woke at last. And she, that ever thro' her home had mov'd With the meek thoughtfulness and quiet smile Of woman, calmly loving and belov'd, And timid in her happiness the while, Stood brightly forth, and steadfastly, that hour, Her clear glance kindling into sudden power. Ay, pale she stood, but with an eye of light, Then must we rise upon our mountain-sod, And man must arm, and woman call on God! "I know what thou wouldst do: And be it done! Thy soul is darken'd with its fears for me. Trust me to Heaven, my husband!—this, thy son, The babe whom I have born thee, must be free! And the sweet memory of our pleasant hearth May well give strength-if aught be strong on earth. "Thou hast been brooding o'er the silent dread And let thine eagle glance my joy restore! "Go forth beside the waters, and along The chamois-paths, and thro' the forests go; And tell, in burning words, thy tale of wrong To the brave hearts that midst the hamlets glow. God shall be with thee, my belov'd !-Away! Bless but thy child, and leave me :-I can pray !" He sprang up like a warrior-youth awaking To clarion-sounds upon the ringing air; He caught her to his breast, while proud tears breaking heart ; "My bride, my wife, the mother of my child! And thus they parted, by the quiet lake, In the clear starlight: he, the strength to rouse Of the free hills; she, thoughtful for his sake, To rock her child bereath the whispering boughs, Singing its blue, half-curtain'd eyes to sleep, With a low hymn, amidst the stillness deep. PROPERZIA ROSSI. Properzia Rossi, a celebrated female sculptor of Bologna, possessed also of talents for poetry and music, died in consequence of an unrequited attachment.-A painting by Ducis, represents her showing her last work, a basso-relievo of Ariadne, to a Roman Knight, the object of her affection, who regards it with indiffer ence. |