Metrical tales, and other poems; - Electric Scotland

PAULINE. 45
That one perchance of thousands ten
May clutch the bubble, Fame
His fame ?—It is to mount the breach
The foremost of the band
;
'Tis steadfast in the ranks of death
On battle-field to stand ;
It is to lead the crushing charge
Where foes are thickest prest,
When shot, and shell, and pointed steel.
Assail each daring breast
It is to vanquish in the field
A seeming stronger foe ;
It is to slay and trample down
And scatter endless woe
;
And ah !
how many brave men fall
To raise one single name !
To thousands toil, and wounds, and death,
To one the hero's fame !
Ye Kings and Kaisers of tlie earth,
Of new or ancient line,
I stretch my hands and cry to you
With all the might that's mine
Pause ere ye hurl your subject men
Amidst embattled strife
Eeflect how many human lives
Twine round each human life !
What shattered hopes, what breaking hearts.
What years of grief and pain
For each, how mean soe'er he be.
To swell your conquests slain !
Do ye aspke to leave your name
A theme for future story ?