And down upon his ranks again. Summoned to dare a deed like that, Which of them all would answer then? What sullen regiment is this That lifts its eyes to dread Cutchee ? From out the disgraced Sixty-Fourth So sad is shame, so wise is trust! Old is the tale, but read anew What tears can teach the holy art? Thou great Commander! leading on your sake storm we any height. We watched their flight, and saw them strike So far away that they might pass Then arm in arm we doubting went Each fearing in his loving heart But who could tell by such a plan There at the margin of the wood, Their points deep-planted where they fell We clasped each other's hands; said he, "Twin champions of the world are we!" A CREOLE SLAVE-SONG (Ah, lo zo-zo chan' danꞌ branche) WHAT bird is that, with voice so sweet, Sings to the sun from yonder tree? What girl is that so slim and fleet, Comes through the cane her love to meet ? Foli zo-zo, sing merrily. The pretty girl she comes to me! What wind is that upon the cane? What perfume from a far-off rose Fills me with dreams? What strange, vague pain Stirs in my heart? What longing vain Ah, no! Ah, no! It is a cheat. There is no bird; my love comes not; The wind chills me from head to feet, And oh, it brings no perfume sweet. My slender girl the white man bought, And took her far across the bay — I cannot cut the caue to-day! I cannot cut the cane to-day O zo-20, moquer, come and sing! O warm wind, through the cane-field stray, I have no heart for anything; White man, how I worked for you When I was young and blithe and strong! The earth was green, the sky was blue, My love's eyes were as bright as dew; And life was like the 20-zo's song! But sold you - you my love I cannot cut the cane to-day! away I did not dream a slave could be A man, and right a grievous wrong. And yet, I was so lion-strong I could have torn your heart away — Freedom! I feel it when too late, Like spring wind on a blasted tree, Bring youth and slavery back to me; Bring back the lash, the hound, the pain, So that my own love come again! But hark! A gentle voice afar Calls me to go, I know not whereYes, past the sun and past the star, trust, Who fought, with conscience clear, on either side; Who bearded Death and thought their cause was just; Their stainless honor cannot be denied; Ring it and sing it, we go hand in hand, And if Virginia's vales shall ring again ing, But both in one, welded in that pure flame Upflaring in us all, When kindred unto kindred, loudly cry ing, Rally and cheer in freedom's holy name! |