Vainly do voices tidings bring, That succours from the former king, Too late for that intent,--are come To take the dead and wounded home; Waiting, impatient, in the bay, Till they can safely bear away,-- Not men that temporize and yield, But heroes stricken in the field; True sons of England, who, unmov'd, Could hear their fears, their interest plead; Led by no lure they disapprov'd, Stooping to no unsanction'd deed! Spirits so finely tun'd, so high, That grovelling influences die Assailing them! The venal mind Can neither fit inducement find To lead their purpose or their fate-- To sway, to probe, or stimulate! What knowledge can they gain of such Whom worldly motives may not touch? Those who, the instant they are known, Each generous mind springs forth to own! Joyful, as if in distant land, Amid mistrust, and hate, and guile, Insidious speech, and lurking wile, They grasp'd a brother's cordial hand! Hearts so embued with fire from heaven, That all their failings are forgiven! Nay, o'er, perchance, whose laurel wreath When tears of pity shine, We softer, fonder sighs bequeath; More dear, though less divine. Can kind and loyal bosoms bleed, And Marie not bewail the deed? Can England's valiant sons be slain, In whose fair isle so long she dwelt-- To whom she sang, with whom she felt! Can kindred Normans die in vain! Or, banish'd from their native shore, Enjoy their sire's domains no more! Brothers, with whom her mind was nurs'd, Who shar'd her young ideas first!-- And not her tears their doom arraign? Alas! no stimulus avails! Each former potent influence fails: No longer e'en a sigh can part From that oppress'd and wearied heart. What broke, at length, the spell? There came The sound of Hugh de Lacy's name! It struck like lightning on her ear-- But did she truly, rightly hear? For terror through her senses ran, E'en as the song of hope began.-- His charge arriv'd on England's coast, Consign'd where they had wish'd it most, Had brave De Lacy join'd the train Which sought the Norman shores again?-- _Then_ liv'd her darling and her pride! What anguish was awaken'd there! A joy close mating with despair-- He liv'd for whom her Eustace died!