FUENTES Once harboured the Good and the Brave, Nor to her was the dance of soft pleasure unknown; Her banners for festal enjoyment did wave While the thrill ofher fifes thro' the mountains was blown: Now gads the wild vine o'er the pathless AscentO silence of Nature, how deep is thy sway When the whirlwind of human destruction is spent, Our tumults appeased, and our strifes passed away!— XXIII. THE ITALIAN ITINERANT, AND THE SWISS GOATHERD. PART L 1. Now that the farewell tear is dried, Whether for London bound-to trill The graceful form of milk-white steed, Around his placid temples curled ; And Shakspeare at his side—a freight, Hope be thy guide, adventurous Boy; 2. But thou, perhaps, (alert and free A Vender of the well-wrought Scale Whether thou choose this useful part, Though robbed of many a cherished dream, And crossed by many a shattered scheme, What stirring wonders wilt thou see In the proud Isle of liberty! Yet will the Wanderer sometimes pine With thoughts which no delights can chase, Recal a Sister's last embrace, His Mother's neck entwine; Nor shall forget the Maiden coy That would have loved the bright-haired Boy! 3. My Song, encouraged by the grace Due recompense, and safe return To Coмo's steeps his happy bourne! Shall tend, with his own dark-eyed Maid,. The towering maize, and prop the twig That ill supports the luscious fig; Or feed his eye in paths sun-proof That through the jealous leaves escapes As with a rapture caught from heaven, PART II. 1. WITH nodding plumes, and lightly drest Like Foresters in leaf-green vest, The Helvetian Mountaineers, on ground For Tell's dread archery renowned, Before the target stood-to claim The guerdon of the steadiest aim. Loud was the rifle-gun's report, A startling thunder quick and short! But, flying through the heights around, Echo prolonged a tell-tale sound Of hearts and hands alike "prepared The treasures they enjoy to guard!” And, if there be a favoured hour When Heroes are allowed to quit The Tomb, and on the clouds to sit With tutelary power, On their Descendants shedding grace, This was the hour, and that the place. |