ODE ON WATERLOO. We do not curse thee, Waterloo ! As then shall shake the world with wonder— As o'er heaven shall then be bright'ning! Like the Wormwood Star foretold By the sainted Seer of old, Show'ring down a fiery flood, Turning rivers into blood. The Chief has fallen, but not by you, Vanquishers of Waterloo ! When the soldier citizen Sway'd not o'er his fellow-men— With that youthful chief competed? Who would men by man enthral ! And thou, too, of the snow-white plume! On thy war-horse through the ranks Once as the Moon sways o'er the tide, And, as it onward rolling rose, There, where death's brief pang was quickest, O'er glories gone the invaders march, With her heart in her voice; But, her hand on the sword, Doubly shall she be adored; France hath twice too well been taught The "moral lesson" dearly bought— Her safety sits not on a throne, With Capet or Napoleon! But in equal rights and laws, Hearts and hands in one great cause Freedom, such as God hath given Unto all beneath his heaven, With their breath, and from their birth, Though Guilt would sweep it from the earth With a fierce and lavish hand Scattering nations' wealth like sand; Pouring nations' blood like water, In imperial seas of slaughter! But the heart and the mind, Shall arise in communion And who shall resist that proud union? The time is past when swords subdued— Man may die-the soul's renew'd: Even in this low world of care Freedom ne'er shall want an heir; NAPOLEON'S FAREWELL. FAREWELL to the Land, where the gloom of my Glory I have coped with the nations which dread me thus lonely, Farewell to thee, France! when thy diadem crown'd me, In strife with the storm, when their battles were won- Farewell to thee, France!-but when Liberty rallies There are links which must break in the chain that has bound us, Then turn thee and call on the Chief of thy choice! |