"Not livid then--the ruddy glow Of life, and youth, and health it bore! And bloodless was that gory brow, And cheerful was the smile it wore, And mildly then those eyes did shine-- --Those eyes which now are blasting mine!! "They beamed with confidence and love Upon my face,--and Andrew Brand Had sooner fear'd yon frighten'd dove Than harm from Gervase Matcham's hand! --I am no Harry Waters--men Did call me Gervase Matcham then. "And Matcham, though a humble name, Was stainless as the feathery flake From Heaven, whose virgin whiteness came Upon the newly-frozen lake; Commander, comrade, all began To laud the Soldier,--like the Man. "Nay, muse not, William,--I have said I was a soldier--staunch and true As any he above whose head Old England's lion banner flew; And, duty done,--her claims apart,- 'Twas said I had a kindly heart. "And years roll'd on,--and with them came Promotion--Corporal--Sergeant--all In turn--I kept mine honest fame-- Our Colonel's self,--whom men did call The veriest Martinet--ev'n he, Though cold to most, was kind to me!-- "One morn--oh! may that morning stand Accursed in the rolls of fate Till latest time!--there came command To carry forth a charge of weight To a detachment far away,-- --It was their regimental pay!-- "And who so fit for such a task As trusty Matcham, true and tried, Who spurn'd the inebriating flask, With honour for his constant guide?-- On Matcham fell their choice--and HE,-- 'Young Drum,'--should bear him company! "And grateful was that sound to hear, For he was full of life and joy, The mess-room pet--to each one dear Was that kind, gay, light-hearted boy. --The veriest churl in all our band Had aye a smile for Andrew Brand.-- "--Nay, glare not as I name thy name! That threat'ning hand, that fearful brow Relax--avert that glance of flame! Thou seest I do thy bidding now! Vex'd Spirit, rest!--'twill soon be o'er,-- Thy blood shall cry to Heaven no more! "Enough--we journey'd on--the walk Was long,--and dull and dark the day,-- And still young Andrew's cheerful talk And merry laugh beguiled the way; Noon came--a sheltering bank was there,-- We paused our frugal meal to share. "Then 'twas, with cautious hand, I sought To prove my charge secure,--and drew The packet from my vest, and brought The glittering mischief forth to view, And Andrew cried,--No!--'twas not He!-- It was THE TEMPTER spoke to me!