Classic Poem

LIKE THEE TO DIE, THOU SUN ! — My boyhood's dream
Was this; and now my spirit, with thy beam,
Ebbs from a field of victory! — yet the hour
Bears back upon me, with a torrent's power,
Nature's deep longings: — Oh! for some kind eye,
Wherein to meet love's fervent farewell gaze;
Some breast to pillow life's last agony,
Some voice, to speak of hope and brighter days,
Beyond the pass of shadows! — But I go,
I, that have been so loved, go hence alone;
And ye, now gathering round my own hearth's glow,
Sweet friends! it may be that a softer tone,
Even in this moment, with your laughing glee,
Mingles its cadence while you speak of me:
Of me, your soldier, 'midst the mountains lying,
On the red banner of his battles dying,
Far, far away! — and oh! your parting prayer —
Will not his name be fondly murmur'd there?
It will! — A blessing on that holy hearth!
Though clouds are darkening to o'ercast its mirth.
Mother! I may not hear thy voice again;
Sisters! ye watch to greet my step in vain;
Young brother, fare thee well! — on each dear head
Blessing and love a thousand fold be shed,
My soul's last earthly breathings! — May your home
Smile for you ever! — May no winter come,
No world between your hearts! — May even your tears,
For my sake, full of long-remember'd years,
Quicken the true affections that entwine
Your lives in one bright bond! — I may not sleep
Amidst our fathers, where those tears might shine
Over my slumbers: yet your love will keep
My memory living in the ancestral halls,
Where shame hath never trod: — the dark night falls,
And I depart. — The brave are gone to rest,
The brothers of my combats, on the breast
Of the red field they reap'd: — their work is done —
Thou, too, art set! — farewell, farewell, thou sun!
The last lone watcher of the bloody sod,
Offers a trusting spirit up to God.