ODE ON WATERLO0. We do not curse thee, Waterloo ! Never yet was heard such thunder As then shall shake the world with wonder— Never yet was seen such lightning 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! Once as the Moon sways o'er the tide, And, as it onward rolling rose, So moved his heart upon our foes. 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? Freedom ne'er shall want an heir; Crimson tears will follow yet. 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, Oh! for the veteran hearts that were wasted In strife with the storm, when their battles were wonThen the Eagle, whose gaze in that moment was blasted, Had still soar'd with eyes fix'd on victory's sun! 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! |