Classic Poem

IX

" And then I heard your neighing train, —
Its silver bells rang down the breeze, —
And saw the white arch of your wain
Between the roadside trees.

" Announced as by an ocean storm,
A horseman from the east in ire
Rode to retrieve his hound: his form
Was robed in scarlet fire.

" But when you saw our murdered field —
And saw in midst the struggling hounds —
And him whose sword made threat to wield
Destruction o'er our grounds; —

" You loosed the best steed of your team,
And seized the weapon nearest hand, —
Then sped the hill and leaped the stream,
And bade the invader stand.

" Then came the horrid sight and sound:
At length I saw the foe retreat,
And swooned for joy; but waking found
You bleeding at my feet!