I then could go to Carcassonne, My God and Father! pardon me One sees some hope more high than he, To which his heart ascends ! My wife, my son, have seen Narbonne, But I have not seen Carcassonne. Thus sighed a peasant, bent with age, Half dreaming in his chair. I said, "My friend, come go with me To-morrow; these thine eyes shall see Those streets that seem so fair." That night there came, for passing soul, The church bell's low and solemn toll! He never saw gay Carcassonne. Who has not known a Carcassonne ? INCIDENT OF THE FRENCH CAMP. ROBERT BROWNING. You know we French stormed Ratisbon: A mile or so away, On a little mound, Napoleon Stood on our storming-day; With neck out-thrust, you fancy how, Just as, perhaps, he mused, "My plans Let once my army-leader Lannes Out 'twixt the battery-smokes there flew A rider bound on bound Full-galloping; nor bridle drew Until he reached the mound. Then off there flung in smiling joy, By just his horse's mane, a boy : (So tight he kept his lips compressed, You looked twice ere you saw his breast Was all but shot in two. "Well," cried he, "Emperor, by God's grace We've got you Ratisbon ! To see your flag-bird flap his vans Where I, to heart's desire, Perched him!" The chief's eye flashed; his plans Soared up again like fire. The chief's eye flashed; but presently A film the mother-eagle's eye When her bruised eaglet breathes : "You're wounded!" "Nay," his soldier's pride Touched to the quick, he said : "I'm killed, sire!" And, his chief beside, Smiling, the boy fell dead. |