y^\^: :{{{mnf>ijm%MirntE. VI. Wild was the furor of the dance, And wilder, fiercer still the glance Of those dark warriors' burning eyes, As whirled they, leaped, and whooped the skies, Till in a foam became upstrung Their limbs, and froths the lolling tongue At whoop and clamor, clap and song. Whose notes old Madra's echoes still prolong. VII. Thus till the moon had climbed the heaven. And had her web begun to spin On which she clambers down again. Did the tierce tumult run amain. Each grasped his weapons fi*om their place. Then with thick paint bedaubed his face ; Each raised the notes of death's last song, Whose gurgles Madra's echoes still prolong. THE G UE R IL L A -BBI D E 35 Vlll. Then gathered near the dark-eyed squaw, With her pappoose, that thongs close draw To the confining bark, to wail The wife's farewell. Ah, nought avail When fiercer passions rise to drain The white man's blood upon the plain. All night the wigwam hears thy song Which only Madra's echoes still prolong. IX. One Indian-maiden, crying, clung T' her father, the tall chief we 've sung — " Stay, stay thy hand ; nor raise the knife ; Tlie white man 's good, and loves his wife ; His daughter trembling at his knee. Gives love to him, to you and me. Stay ! do the white-man's head no wrong : Let Madra's echoes still his joy prolong." 36 THE GUEKILLA-BRIDE " Go, Nora, tend the waning fire, And leave the battle to thy sire. Shall such pale-faces dare to bound "With stakes our ancient hunting-ground, And scare the bison and the deer Awood ? What business has he here ? Does not he do the red-man wrong Where Madra's echoes still his cry prolong ? XI. " Do not the white-men hate as we ? — They wish the heretic to see Sent to the spirit-land. Ho, braves. Dig for them broad and bloody graves ; Let th' battle-cry be heard, and fling The brand into their home, and bring Scalps back to cheer your squaws. Be strong ; Let Madra's echoes war-cries loud prolong." THEGUEKILLA-BKIDE. 37 XII. The Indian-girl would fain obey ; But first, by warning, would delay. " My father, hearest thou the tread Of the Great Spirit ? Long the dead He bids me mourn. Go, if thou wilt — The spiller has his own blood spilt — The South West Country waits thy song. Beyond where Madra's echo-tones prolong." Xlll. The chieftain heeded not her cry : Believed not in her prophecy : The band by the tall chieftain led, With bending backs and lengthened tread. Extended line of warrior-force, Stretched to the plain their evil course : Each with a brand, snatched as they go, Into the white-man's mansion burnins: t' throw 38 THE GUERILliA-BBIDE. XIV. Young Nora, the fair Indian-maid, Gazing, awhile her footsteps stayed, Till in the distance on her sight The last brand, glimmering, lost its light ; She then turns homeward to depart, Wild wails, and beats her sorrowing heart, The wigwam fire with faggots piles, And sings her sadly mournful dirge the whiles. XV. " He's gone to lay the white-man low ; The white-man gives to liim a blow That makes death gurgle in his throat. And checks the partly uttered shout. Together shall their bodies lie. Death dealing to each other, die. While Nora long the foggots piles. And sings her sadly mournful dirge the whiles. THE CJUERILLA'BKIDE. 30 XVI. " The tall tree bends before the stroke — The hatchet bows the lofty oak — The whitc-nuiTi falls witltin his door — Tlie chieftain waves his plume no more — The riven trees the wigwam light — The bodies of the slain delight The lapping flames, while Nora piles, And sings her sadly mournful dirge the whiles. XVII. *' Give back, give back the white-man's life ; And smoke the peace-pipe — let not strife Arouse tlie war-club — throw the brand And hatchet from your bloody hand ; The peace-pipe's smoking should prevail Where now Apache-women wail. Let Nora light from fire she piles, Nor sing her sadly mournful dirge the whiles. 1 40 THE GUERILLA-BBII>E 5VIII. " From the red-stone my hand has made The ample bowl ; and from the shade, From far within the sedge-moor low, From out the swamp where lone; reeds groWy With my own father's war-knife keen, I cut its stem, both long* and green — Let Nora light from fire she piles, Nor sing her sadly mournful dirge the whiles. XIX. " Ue hears me not — the Great Spirit calls ; Him to the South West Country calls — He goes, goes by the white-man's arm — The white-man falls by th' red-man's storiu — Together weltering in their blood — Together make for flames the food — In vain the moments Nora whiles, And sings her sadly mournful dirge the whiles." THEGUERIL LA- BRIDE. 41 XX. Thus sang the maid in prophet mood, And fiercer still the watch-fire glowed ; But while this grew, the council flame An ashy smouldering heap became — The braves, forgetful that the moan From lodge-flues thus has heavenward gone, Ran measured o'er the lengthened way To where mid-plain the mission dwelling lay. XXI. Each with his smoking brand behind, Nursed into sparkles by the wind, Witli silence deep the mansion reacli, And neath the sill deposits each The coals piled on each other there, And nursed to flame with breathing care Soon flames might well direct the way To where mid-plain the mission dwelling lay. 42 TUEGDKKILLA-BKIDK. XXII. One dreadful yell of fury, led By the tall chief, roused from his bed The missionary. Brave, yet good, With axe iu hand, he fearless stood Upon the burning door-step high, Forefront the chieftain's savage eye. They meet — they strike — and mingle they Their blood raid plain where th' mission dwelling lay, XXIII. The yell half uttered in his throat Died out from fury's savage note To gasping sigh for waning breath ; And Hames seized both as soon as death ; But louder yelled the remnant band — In mothers' blood imbrued the hand. And servants' ; gladdens them to slay All where mid-plain the mission dwelling lay, THB QUEKILLA- BRIDE. 43 XXIV. All lay there mid the slain save one, The maiden fair ; and she had run, At first alarm, and soiitz;ht in prayer Of God his counsel and his care. Thus kneeled she, poured her tears and cries. While sweetness melted in her eyes, And shed a halo all around. That o'er her shone and echoed in each sound. XXV. The savage fiends o'erhear her cries, And break in on her exercise. She heeds them not, nor fears the blow That they in threatening gestures show ; - Iler trust in God has swallowed all. E'en if the tomahawk should fall — That halo struck an awe profound. That o'er her shone, and echoed in each sound. 44 THEGDEBILLA-BBIDE. XXVI. The savage devils stood amazed, While timbers crackled round them, gazed. Forget their rage, the flames' wild glare, Such power hath effectual prayer. They grasp, and lead her from the flames. And give of their own pretty names, " The Red Sky of the Morning" — bear Her to their distant village lodge with care. XXVII. A chair made of their joining hands. And bore the nymph of heavenly lands To Nora's lonely dwelling. Nora claims Her for her father in the flames. And " Red Sky " asks for Nora's love Instead of father gone above — They much each other's love-light share Beneath the village lodge prepared with care. T 11 E G U E K I L L A - i; R 1 D E . 45 XXVlll. Though miicli the women tend her wants, And Nora leads to beauteous haunts, And loves her with a child's caress, Yet mourns she long with sad distress Her parent buried in the flame, The earthly ruin of the noble fi'ame, Yet trusts a heavenly home to share, As she, the village badge prepared with care. XXIX. Oft would she to the grove retire, And pour out there her heart's desire In fervent prayer, so sadly miM, 'T was like the wishes of a cliild; Wiiile Nora, like a buskined sprite, Tripped after with an awed delight. Bowed with her, too ; or awe-struck stood. And whispered, '' 'Red Sky of the Morning', good." 46 THE GUEEILLA-BKIDE XXX. Young warriors, painted for the fraj, Gazed on her as the flush of day, Just dawning, sat upon her cheek In contrast with her dark eye meek. They stopped the wild war-dance to gaze On faith and beauty's heavenly plays ; They murmured, but at distance stood. They murmured, " 'Red Sky of the Morning', good." XXXI. She, captive, ceased not to fulfil The mission to the Red-Man still, Nor failed her courage to display To all, who 'd list, the heavenward way ; To Nora taught the Sacred Book, And taught to pray ; and oft as look The dames upon them in that mood. They whispered, "'Red Sky of the Morning', good." TIIK GUERI I- LA-BRIDE 47 XXXll. What long lier father failed to gaiu. She won by unpretending strain. Retired amid the sheltering wood. But soon she saw resulting good ; Devotion made the Christian bold. And with new interest soon the old. The 3"0ung list to instruction tliere, And own the power of Effectual Prayer. XXXlll. The query of the Christian mind Why they do not an answer find To their petitions, sent with moan Contrite to his eternal throne, Admits an answer short and plain. 'Tis true they ask for what they 'd gain. A blessing on tlie longing soul. Of which they cannot comprehend the whole. 48 THE G U E It I L L A - li li I D E XXXIV. Thoy ccaso not to lot earth's vain smiles Tempt tliem to l)Ow to Satan's wiles — Their weaker faith p;ives not to know The blessiiiijjs God would jjjlad bestow — Their eoulidenco too weak to wait With minds in an nn]>nrturbed state, Ilelies not on his revelation, plain As morning snnlig-ht in his earliest train. XXXV. When they with routine dulness read The Book Divine, they see, indeed. The promise there in plainer lines, But feel not all its grand designs. They see not clear as saw the maid, A captive in the wild tribe stayed, When she relied upon it. plain As niorninii' sunli^'ht in his earliest train. T H E O D E K I L L A - UK 1 D E . 40 XXXVl. Not thus their blinded minds see plain, Thence do not consolation gain, And Heaven 's as cold as earth around ; Tlieir gouIs in icy fetters bound, As w'hen the hunter mid the snow Of Alps sees distant hearth-fires glow, Would reach their warming flame, But ciinnoit, i'm- ,the stupor of liis Irameu XXXVIL The windis chill one in every part, So sin has chilled the other's heart. And wliile the one, prone on the snow. Sees wiuvuith but cannot reach the glow. Till death has siuipped life's brittle thread,' So this id/ heavenly bliss is dead ; Yet struggling still to reach the flame, But cannot, for tlie stupor of his frame. 50 THE GUERILLA-BKIDE. XXXYIII. Perhaps they 've been misfortune's mark ; Or, may be, as some laden bark On ocean far, by wild winds tost, In whelming waves like to be lost, "With spreading sails and helm to wind, Directs its course the port to find, At length on placid waters rides. And feels not pressure on its groaning sides.. XXXIX. Refitted soon, no longer shows It marks of late distressful woes ; So they tuni Godward their desires For once in longing mood. The fires Of sacrifice before the chart Burn, and the needle of the heart Is watched ; but once these winds subside. They soon forget the pressure on its side. THE G U E R I L L A - li K I D E . 51 XL. Not so the maiden — dangers round, She prayed as erst, and yet the sound, When danger passed, the stillness broke Of those old woods, as if outspoke An angel. Would you to your prayer An answer gain, you aye must bear To th' altar faith that God doth know To succor or afflict — to give or ward the blow — XLI. That faith in God, which has no need That mind by miracles bo freed From doubt, that it may then believe That He '11 petitions then receive. The doubt, the fear must first bo gone. Religion in deep draughts be drawn. Rely upon it, God doth know To succor or afflict — to c:ive or ward the blow. I 52 THE G U E K I L I. A - B B I D K . XLll. Tliough gloom oft luiug around the miud, As round the mountain's crest we tind The gathering thunderbolt involved, That seems to melt it, so dissolved The soul may seem in grief, and feel, Like that, the lightning's shock, and reel ; Yet as that cloud will clear away, So faith gives hope of an eternal day. XLIII. And as we know that mountain's there, With clifl' on cliff sublimely fair ; So faith sees, through the frowning scene, God's truths rcflocted in his mien ; Though tempests toss the writhing soul, As raging winds mad ocean roll, Its faith flies strong secure away In the glad hope of an eternal day. THE GUERILLA-BBIDE. 53 XLIV. As glides the bark well built and strong Old ocean's rolling waves along ; So, too, the soul by pow'r divine. Will often cross the heavenly line By prayer — in calm or storm glides still, While winds celestial, breathing, fill The spreading sails, till, wafted there, It feels the strength of true, efi'ectual prayer. XLV. Behold the Maid of angel soul. Whose faith can strong desire control. And rise to God in winged prayer. As soars the lark in morning air ; See her bowed at Religion's shrine, Her brow serene looks half divine As drinks she faith from Heaven there, And knows the blessing of efiectual prayer. I 54 r 11 E G U K U I L L A - » R I U E . XLVI. Enjoyed siie earth, or felt its rod, She were believing ehild of God. Behold her as she calmly beuds Before the mercy scat, and sends Her God-directed prayer on high ; She knows that God still draws her nigh, That she his answering bliss may share, And know the blessings of effectual prayer. THE GUERlLLA-BIllbE CANTO IV. WAR WITH THE A ]' A C IJ E S . When once the boar has tasted blood Ilis stomach loathes all other food ; So, once tlie savage Vengeance gluts In predatory war, all feeling shuts lie from his In-vital heart, and drives The knife and brand wherever lives lie finds to madly check the breath, And give him wild excitement at the death. I 56 THE aUEKILLA-BRIDE Not always first the savage wake* His fury. Jealous hatred makes The white man rouse them to annoy Whose nation differs, or destroy The prospering work of rival sects ; And thus the work of murder checks The good that might be docie' by faitlf. Nor give him wild excitement at the death. riL Keligion, art thou thus debased ?■ Tliat thou may'st reign, must be erased All other creeds but favored one, Referred to man to judge alone ? Or may not each, who loves his God. Exempted be from other's rod ? At least may he not breathe his breath. Nor give this wild excitement at the death ? THE GUERILLA- BRIDE. 57 IV. In days when inquisitions ruled, And all must die, or else be schooled In Eoman form and Roman faith. And walk the same unthinking path, There might be some excuse, but now. When free inquiry lights each brow. But fiends would wake the Indian's breatii, And give him wild excitement at the death. V. 'T was fiends in sacerdotal stole, Priests and priest-ridden, fiends the whole, Who waked Apaches to do wrong To him who taught, in prayer and song. The trail to Heaven : who roused their ire, And lit the blazing council-fire ; Who bade them to the war-path go, And to defenceless victims give the blow. ' \ 58 THE G U E R I L L A - B E I D E , VI. But as rebounds the mpid ball, When thrown with force against the wall ; So priests, and so priest-ridden feel Their counsel to them turn in steel : The savage waked to bloody deeds, The waker by the wakened, bleeds : To many Creole homes they go, And to defenceless victims give the blow. vu. The retribution is but just — But rouse I Chihuahua must Drive back the iiends o'er Rio Grand : Now swords are drawn by many a hand, And carabines — war's dread array, Drums, war-steeds, and plumes floating gay Bravo men, and woman's tears all show Defenceless victims liave received the blow. THE GUERILLA-BBIDE. 59 Vlll. Now forth they move in loni^ array, To music's martial notes, and gay The banners float upon the breeze, And toppling plumes, like mimic trees. But most of all who lead the throng. One gallant Chieftain rides along ; Not other such battallions lead As this young Chief upon his snow-white steal. IX. Forth leads his band along the street, While maidens wave their scarfs to greet The fairest, bravest of the throng That pour the streets to war along. He feels elated at the sight, And rides in still more gallant plight. The shout grants not to otlicrs meed As this young Chief upon his snow-white steed. (jO THE t> U K K I L L A - B R I n E . X. His charger, even, seems to know They more than usual honors show His rider, curbs his flowing mane, And ])rances with a high disdain ; He bears him k^ftily away To well-bought honors in the fray, And to the pleasures of love-leef — It is — it is the young Guerilla-Chief. XI. Forth many a weary mile they move, O'er plain and hill, through stream and grove. To hunt the dusky warriors' home, As to the lion's lair tliey'd come, Attack him in his den, and draw Him lifeless forth with great eclat : Thus forth with rage, and yet with grief They go, led by the young Guerilla-Chief. THE GUBJilLLA-HUIDE. 01 XII. At lenfi|;tli u \ou I' II \'. l! K It M. I, A - llKl II K XXII. Swift flioB tliu l);ill — loud ring's tlicHwunl — Diru is the yell — the m-^ijig won! Ah fihrill — and tumult — ven^'canci.' — lii'll^ Tlio whole in hjiu^le word to tell — 'ilic shout, oj" ti'iuiui»h, and the groan — The gurgle ol" those nearly gone in death's la,Ht ugony, us shod or savage 1)1o(m1 in vengeance for the dead. XXllI. None iiiirer, nobler, iiercer there — NoTie drive more closely to the lair Oi' skulking savage — nojie so loud Enc'ojirage light — and none so ])roud Lead on, and di-ai death blows aroiiml, With honor, sweat, and blood-stains crowned, Nor slaek Irom light a nu)ment brief. As does thi> brjive, the young Guerilla-Chiel". T ri i<: (; u E R I L r. A - ij It 1 I ) 10 . <;7 XXIV. And fiercer still tlje onset grows ; And fiercer fight tlu; Ravage foes, But all in vain ; the shock too strong, Like nriountain avalanche, along Sweeps with unbending force, and flight Or certain death must own its might ; For all oljey their hate and grief As does the hrave, the young Guerilla-Chief. XXV. Is giv'n one yell of wild despair — Each savage springs up from his lair, And flies ; some o'er the spreading plain, And some the shallow river gain ; But fiercer, swifter, surer flies Enraged pursuers, until dies The last of that surprising band — Dies by the young Guerilla-Chief's own hand. 08 T li K c; n k li 1 1- 1. a - mi i u k . XXVI. Thill; work of slaui:;lili'r doiu', they jill, Around their chiei'tuin i;ii(hi'vin_i^, cull To bo led whore the vilhii^v lies, That tliey tho nMiinaiit may snrpriBc. (Jnic'lc formed in lino, tho Ibrcod march now Bog-ins, thoui^h aching every brow And weary every limb ; yet all March at tho younii; Guerilla-ChierH U»iid call. XXVII. The jaded steeds, pushed o'er the ])lain, Tho darkling groves soon gain, Tlie spot whore wigwams silent stand As night itself. Sweep round tiie band Till closing them within their line. As serpents round their prey entwine And with an awful gulp engorge, So they, enclosing, swift destruction forge. T II E G U K U I M, A - li U I D E . (19 XXVllI. (Jluscr tliu circKi cIohoh romn.l — Thu vllla^^o in it;« t'oldH is l)Oun(i — Now ll;uiii;H l(;ii]) loimd tjjicli \vi<^wam frail — Tlicy now (^acli flying wretch anHail ; Ami luothcrH, chihJron, warriorn old Jjic! Htru^f^liii^, Hwoatin<^ dcatii-dow cold. Yet there are two wlio I'ear not death Thou^jj in the reach of youn<; Guerilla'H In-eath, r XXIX. 'T in Nora, tluj y and lier maid His sword, his sfe])S, ins breath, with nwc are stayed T n K (J IJ K K I L I- A - )! K 1 D E . 71 XXXII. lie UuuIb tliem from the l)uriiin<4 pile — Leads to his comrades with a siiiile The rescued itiuiden proud to sliow One thus so lovely saved the blow That they have dealt so fatally To the marauding race. Yet lice A few, and warn the tribe to fly, . And shelter seek upon the mountain hiif;h. XXXlll. Dread is the fear they spread o'er all, And loud and shrill llT ulunu-wlioop's call ; And with quick haste, and cautious flight. From many a village fled that night Awed warriors, juaidens, niothc^rs wild "Witli terror for each bark-bound child ; Now hide — now to new covert lly — And shelter sock upon tlio mountains higli. T H 10 G U K R I L I- A - n K I O F. . XXXIV. Tlioy lly ; but will nut be pursued ; They fear ; nor sl:iu«»;hter bo rone-wcd ; They drojid the white-iiuin''s wrtkened niiijc ; This dread his vengeance shall assuage, And hold the slaughtering hand, while they ]5y tear taught, dare no longer slay The unoffending — ''peace," shall sigh. Ami shelter seek upon tho mountains high. XXXV. The l)l(»w decisive being given, Tlic liMl)e ot" its ]>rinie warriors riven. Jlevengo shall now be stayed again. They seek tho margin ot tho plain, And gathering fuel, watchiires build : iSoon clamors of tiie camp are stilled In (juiet Inisli of kind repose That (h>ublv welcomed guest conies now to those T ir V. n I.; ii i m- a - 15 k i d i; . 7H xxxvi. Wrappcid ill their l)ltiiikcl;s' tiiii|il(' luld.-., 'I'lic maidtuis i'(\st secure Iroiu colils or niglit-wiiids, while at distjuice briel' Watchful Kits tiui (iiicriila-Chiel", And hall" ;iwak(!, and halfaHleep, — Love, beauty, happy pleasures k(;ep Their vij^ilw, too, — I'eels not rej>osc That doubly welcomed guest comes now tothoHC. XXXVII. Tiiat night is long when we would lain Jieiiold tiiG light of morn again. Tlie sick man on his couch lakes noti- Of every stroke that seems remote An age from last the old clock gave ; The lover, to his thoughts a slave, Feels time a torture, hates repose That doubly welcomed guest comes now to those. 74 T JI K «} U K Ji 1 J> J- A - ]{lt 1 J) 1': XXXVIII. Tims, tossiiii:;, lay that chieftain proud. And wished to ace tlie nioruini;' cloud ; Yet more methinks liis sighini^fs are For '•• Hod sky of the Morning" fair. The rescued cai)rivc maid, who feels In Nora's arms that balm which steals Our griefs away in gentle doze That doubly welcomed guest now comes to those. XXXIX. At length the balmy morning breaks. And the Guerilla-Chief awakes 11 is tender charge with gentle hand. To save alarm when roused the ])and liy bugle's shriller sound. She seems More beauteous still by morning's beams; He in his lieart fools hoi)eful pride That some day she will l)e (Tucrilla-Bridc 'I' M E < J II K Ji I I. I- A - li K J I) V. . 7r> XL. At length the soundiiii^ ruvcillc Tlio KoldicrB rouHc cro yet tliu or Of morn has iiiirly lit the cast : Tiioy (jiiick dcspiitch tin; IVuguI t'eaet; They then pre[)ai'o to liinl tiicir dciid. To ])lace them in the warrior'n lied With warrior's honors. On the m(!ad They liud and give " Red Sky " her own ])iuc,k .steed. XLl. Her own Ijhiek steed, her liither g'ave Ere his own dwcUin;^ proved liis grave; Turned loose upon the grassy jihiiri, A friendless wand'ix'r, ajid its main And all its coat showed awful ]»liglit — Loud wept tlie maiden at the sight, And folded with her arms its Iniad, While he stM'iiied weeping al: tin' fc'irs she shed. 7t) 1" H F. r, U E K I I. L A - B K I D E . XLII. A more than brute that courser seemed, And sometliing ahnost human beamed From liis bri,iz:ht eye tliat still was stayed Upon his mistress, loving maid. The soldiers soon the tangled hair Free from thebmrs, and rub it fair — For Nora Indian barb provide ; And " Red Sky'' mounting, too, all homeward ride. XLIII. Away to where the dreadful fray Had made night awful — more the day - They hastened. There behold the dead, That foemen foemen's blood had shed. All mingled in promiscuous heap "Where friend and foe together sleep. Oil, awful s-ight ! Sad end of life ! The dread result of M'ar's unhallowed strife. THE G U E E I L L A - B It I I) 1^: XLIV. War! War! How cruel still thou art! How fierce aud foul thy Llackeued heart ! Forever drunk on clotted <^ore, And, vomiting, sigh yet lor more ! Revenge and other passions rave, With mourning mingled at the grave ; At once with grief and hatred rife. The dread result of war's uniiallowtMl strife ! XLV. 'T is sweet to calmly lay- a friend Down in the grave, and know his end Was peaceful, and that we can show Respect in funeral rites, and go In silent mourning to our homes, Where no intrusive feeling comes But gentle sorrow for the dead ! Remembrance of the virtues rounry butli of men ! IJewihIered l)y the rai>'hig strife, Men reck not of tlieir wasting life ; l>ut when friends the last rites bestow They mourn, but curse the murdering foe. Thus grief and malice wake to life. The dread results of war's unhallowed strife. XLVll. There may be some excuse lor those Who have not learnetl to interpose The Gospel's rule of love before They steep their enemies in gore ; But for a Christian to essay Reckless his fellow man to slay For low ambition, gives to life The dread results of war's nnhallowed strife ; THE G U E K I L L A - i: K I I) E . 79 XLVIII. lias "Hell" iinpi-intodoii JiLs hrow I>ciiol(l his minions marcliino; now Witii " irdl-tono-ucs " glisten in,i,M n tiiu uir, And " llell-flames " belching vivid there. ' And yet to crush him or drive back Oppression, would nought christian lack. Although it gives to death and life The dread results of war's unhallowed strife. XLIX. Some men in ruling nations, or In social life, will aye luu^e war — At every look or uttered word Take umbrage, and their soul is stirred To battle ; or if not of blood. To war of words. It is not gocwl To me that thus is waked to lill- The dread results of war's uidiallowed strife. ,S(« T jr K (i U K K 1 I- I, A - B K 1 1) K L. Ooiiio, ])t;:u'e of miiul, sordidly blest, Ami, sociiil iiitrrcourso — the rest Of frien(lslii|i aye sii:ill weleonied be ; •Vnd so, our njitioifs iiiiiity. Let all the world, iiiiitinic, I'eel No more the keen, tiie bitiii,^' steel. Nor make tlirir annals lon^vr rife. With ilrrad rt'snlts of war's aidiallowi'd strite THE GTJERn/L A - DIL I DE CANTO IV THE LOVERS AND T H li HOWE ."Soon gathered into soldiers' <^i'irve The dead, they soldiers' honors gave In farewH^ll Klif>t, and in\dHc(l note, And i)ray(irH half uttered in the throat, And eomradeH' teaa-K, as bendint^ low O'er tl>e protniscTious heap, they show ■i'hat (i'l^M, thouf^h fierce they may ap})ear, The heart may feel, the eye may have a tear. 82 THEGUERILLA-BXIDE. II. The heart was made to feel the woes Of others' -v^ounds; those wounds to clc^e ; The heart was made for love no less, To relish beauty's soft impress ; Tliough stern it seem for strife prepared, Though in wealth's tangled meshes snared, Love wakes at beauty, sighs with fear, The heart may feel, the eye may have a tear. III. The Chieftain of that soldier band, While giving forth the stern commaind. Yet felt that beauty had enchained. And sighed whene'er her sighs complained The maiden sighed, and looked aplain. The Chieftain sighed, and looked again ; He knows — knows she, in memory dear, The heart may feel, the eye may have a tear. TIIEGUEEILLA-BRIDE. 83 IV, " Why lookest thou so sad, fair maid ? " " Untombed mj' father lies ;" she said ; " His bones bleach yonder on the plain Beneatli that ashy heap. Could I again Behold his bones, and with a sod But cover them, I 'd thank my God, And leave him to his heavenly cheer, Though I am left a lonely mourner here." V. " Asteed I And let 's away ! '' Away The two go riding swift as may Their horses bear them, all alone In the wide prairie, where late shone The hearth-light of a happy home, Till to the ruins they have come Where bleaching lay her father's frame, To cinders burnt by the calcining flame. 84 THE GUERILLA-BKIDE. VI. Sad, sad, indeed, the maiden grew At that heart-rending sight, and flew And folded to her breast the bones, The all left of her father — groans Of sadness scape her woe-gone breast, Although she knows his spirit blest ; Yet glad to soothe her child-like grief, He folds her to his breast, th' Guerilla- Chief ; vu. Turns back her dark and curling hair, And kisses ojff the jewels there, The tear-drops, and, with soft caress. Begs her to mourn her father less ; Then with his sword scoops out a grave Those bleaching bones for mem'ry to save ; And mingle sympathetic grief In prayer, the Maid and the Guerilla-Chief. THE GUEKIL LA-BRIDE. 85 Vlll. That sad last rite performed — the sod Bedewed with tears — the Soul to God — They homeward turn, but cast a look, A lingering look behind, and took Thus a last sad farewell of th' dead. And left him in his prairie bed. Swift to their comrades, o'er the glade, They ride, Guerilla-Chief and Spanish Maid. IX. The band long waited their return ; But now they see their chargers spurn The very sod on which they tread With lighter bound and well-curbed head, Ambitious for the trial proof Of fleetness of each other's hoof. Quick mid the welcoming band are stayed The young Guerilla-Chief 'and Spanish Maid. 86 THE GUEKILLA-BRIDE. X. "With twirling hats and cheering shout All gladly compass them about, Mounted and ready to be away ; While Nora, decked with plumes that sway And nod, and beads that light imbibe, Stripped from the dead ones of her tribe, Has not her greeting shout delayed, As came Guerilla-Chief and Spanish Maid, XI. Fond cheer of Chief and soldiers met, Of maiden's welcome, being let, The line of march is soon begun, And short the hours, and it is done — Short, for the Chief sees many sights That still the Spanish Maid delights — ^ "While wonder Nora still delayed, Oft smiled Guerilla-Chief and Spanish Maid. T H E G U E R I L L A - B E I D E . 87 Xll. In proud Chihuahua's streets again, They 're welcomed ; mourned the slain ; The farewell given, each seeks his home, Where all are glad to see him come. A mansion far upon the hight. Which o'er Chihuahua grants tlie sight, Their hoiiie, in fond attachmejlt strayed The young Guerilla-Chief and Spanish Maid-. XIII. Guerilla-Chief and Spanish Maid — While Nora following, displayed The bliss of untaught confidence. From his proud mansion oft lead hence^ To revel in kind nature's charms. To breathe love's rapture in his arms. And to wipe out each stain of grief. The Spanish Maiden, the Guerilla-Chief. 88 THE GU ERIIiLA-llllID B XIY. Below they see Chihualmah's spirea ;. Beyond they see tlK) mouutain fires Of herdsmen as they &tiU pursue Their hardy toil, or yonder view The lasso drawn, and noble steed Lie overpowered upon tlie mead ; Then melting eyes — and sigh so brief — The love untold, yet told, by Maid and CMefl, XV. Tims oft, enwrapped beneath the shade^ The two' in- love's blest moments strayed ; Found in ejich waving leaf that stirred, Each cloud above, each song of bird, The marks of love, and, though they shun The truth, love seals them into one — That potent charmer of our grief, Seals into one the Maiden and the Chief. THE GUEBILLA-BKIDE. 89 XVI. Have I not felt in boyhood's days ; Have I not sun<^ in untaught Lays, The rapture that was oft inspired, As she and I together admired The babbling streamlet as it played Along beneath the hemlock shade ? Ah, then my heart felt not its grief. More than the Maiden and Guerilla-Chief. XVII. Yet sad realities will hang. And touch the heart with ruder twang - Sometimes enduring ; and again, Like things that are not, but have been Enduring to o'er-saddened me ; And yet I happy moments see — But transitory — dread, yet brief — As with the Maid and the Guerilla-Chief. 90 THE GUERILLA-BRIDE XVllI. Swift sped the halcyon days Of love's blest solstice in relays Of happiness. The forest, field, And plain, all with their love-notes pealed Hushed e'en the birds' soft notes so low, To lower twitter, as respect to show To virtuous love — a space, though brief, They love, as th' Maid and the Guerilla-Chief. XIX. Chihuahua's loftiest church one day Was thronged with happy, fair, and gay, In eager expectation ; while The grave ones even lit a smile Upon the staid and reverend face, As if forgetful of the place, When up the aisle, fair past belief With blushes, came the Maiden and the Chief. THEGUERILLA-BRIDE. 91 XX. Before the altar now they stand, And yield the priest the willing hand, Who joins them. Tripping, Nora glides In after, dressed in plumes, divides Attention as she, wondering, kneels. And gazes on their faces. — Feals Of greeting burst as now, with pride. The Chief leads from the altar his Guerilla-Bride. XXI. The Indian maid a moment kneels Still by the altar, till those peals Arouse her from her dumb surprise ; Then, casting furtive glances, flies Behind them from the sacred place. While trip and dance her plumes with grace, Till, overtaking them, her fears have died In fond caress of the Guerilla-Bride. 92 THE G U E B I L L A - B K I D E XXII. Homo to Ilia mansion over-blest The Chief, with his companion, pressed And long those old and merry halls Re-echo to the gentle calls Of nuptial bliss, while anxious tend Tlie servants on their lovely friend. And he, their lord,- is not denied The fond caress of his Guerilla-Bride. xxui. When storms of passion, party strife, Disturbed those round him, still his life In even tenor ran ; and in his home He never felt its frothing foam. Oft' there, with Nora at their knees, They strove to educate and please ; And glad was he tliat virtues guide The fond caress of his Guerilla-Bride. THE G U E R I L L A - U R I D E . 93 XXIV. Thus loved he often to retire Around the household's sacred fire, And, with his family alone. Or, with sucli friends as chose to come, Enjoy the social hour in talk ; Or on the pleasant lawn to walk. And chat as they the town survey. Talk of the merits of the good old way. XXV. New schemes are formed — inventions new, To lighten labor and enrich the few ; To bring the farmer for his toil, A greater product of the soil ; To ease the traveler's weary frame. And make him bless the road he came ; And, doubtless, these inventions may Be better far than is the good old way. 94 T H E G U E K I L L A - B K I D E XXVI. Moil used to i)lo\v witli sturdy team; Now pruirios tiii'ii by iiiig'ht of steam ; Onco swiftly sped the mail, when he Who rode with shout, and song, and glee. The spur, with hottest haste applied Deep in his foamini;; horse's side: Not so in this progressive day, For lightning now has struck the good old way XXVII. Men used to counsel with a friend, And strive his actions to defend Against the mean attacks of men, (For there were baselings even then,) Till they were proven to l)e wrong. And friendship celebrate in song, And nuvke each hour a holiday — O, that thou wert thus still, thou good old way. THE G U EKILL A-HKID E . U5 XXVIII. And yet I '11 not deny tliut now There still is somethinti,' on the brow Of many kind ones that requires . Of biessinn^s as my first desires Upon them for their kindness shown, And sympathetic glances thrown ; It seems a smile of heavenly play So near akin — so like that good old way. XXIX. I love, when tired of fashion's calls, Of priraped-ni) ])a]-ties and stifJ" balls. To have a staid old friend drop in. And, resting on his staff his chin. Parental and bcTievolent, As if by angel's orders sent, To hold in lengthened chat tJie day, And make me glad; for 'tis the good old way. 96 THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. XXX. But most I love, when toils are done, When, with life's cares the day has run. To shelter me deep in the nook Of home, with wife, and child, and book, And with the cheerful words of love From her I early took to prove, In privacy retired, or in display, The love that's shown best in the good old way XXXI. To list the music-prattle sweet, Or watch the little tottering feet Of one God gave more close to link Us into one ; and there to drink Deep from the founts of love and lore. And think of cares and grief no more ; With these, or books and pen, I may, Or in discourse, find heaven in good old way. THE 6UERILLA-BEIDE. 97 XXXII. There from my window, I may see The bustling world, imcared by me, Go tumbling on ; but if perchance, A ruder word or frowning glance From her, my early love, aye fell, It turns my heaven into hell ; To darkness turns the sunniest day Till smiles light up her brow in good old way. XXXlll. Though steam and lightning I would tame ; And honors' for inventors claim : • Though I would have the mind advance. And every interest enhance By honest means — make all enjoy Life's sweets, till each replete, the cloy Bade cease ; in social life, I 'd say. But give me back again the good old wav. 98 THE G U E R I L L A - B K I D E . XXXIV. Thus lived they, joying in fond love. In that Castiliau palace 'bove Chihuahua's bustle ; Nora taught To drink from heaven's fountain draught That should suffice the soul, while she Devoutly prayed, or, with young glee. The cradle tended, while beside The smiling mother sat, Guerilla-Bride. XXXV. Tlr appropriate day arrived, they go. With solemn air and sacred show, To the pure font, and Nora first Is consecrated from the hurst, From wild and heathen life reclaimed For God ; a wayward savage tamed ; Then, christ'ning, gave to God with pride. The infant of the young Guerilla-Bride. T II E G U E R I L L A - B R I D E . 99 XXXVl. I 'vc stood beside the altar oft ; I 've stood beside the flood which soft In heaven-born murmurs ran — 1 've seen The servant of the highest pour its sheen Upon the consecrated head — I 've seen the convert himb-like led Into th' deep waters, and be placed Low under its deep flood — his sins erased. XXXVII. I 've seen — and wliether sprinkled on, Or Iniried in the stream — anon Tliere ever has arisen in my breast A feelino; that the act was blest — A solemn sense of sacredness. That bids e'en sinners to confess. And shun the lightsome wicked jeer, And love, for once, the penitential tear. l.cFC. 1 0() I' 11 E o n R K 1 1- 1. A - 1? u 1 n v: . XXXVlll. There was a time, a memorable day ; The Lord himscU' was drawn away Where Jordan's waters calmly iiuw. Pause ye who uo respect would show ! Hehohl him laid beneath the wave ! The spirit see his father gave ! There's more than form — more, to be prized When such a blessing' came to Christ, bapti/cd. XXXIX. 1 woidd not lightly speak the word — 1 would not iiave derision stirred At this God-given ordinance ; P>ut while I at the rite shall glance, Or think upon it as the sign Of purifying by the One Divine, I would the rite might well be prized. And all in heart, as body, bebaptizee found by wliich to scape From leaky Justice, when the shai)e Is nioneywise, the brood is paid. And right is but a leap-staff made To ciross the yawning gulf again, And help to ill-got wealth 'the man of fame. XL VII. Tlie man who's climbed the steep Of literary fame, can sleep, And dream huzzas from high and \o\v : While he who labors from below, May much the l)otter worlc produce — All for its faults may make excuse, 13ut none commend, nor trump his name. Because lie has not been a man of lame. THEGUEEILLA-BRIDE. 105 XLVIIl. But once the steep we, toiling climb, Wc are compelled to sit sublime. And yield to reverence — who command In battle, at the altar stancj, Or wield the pen, whate'er the cause. Or make the nation wholesome laws. Must rule ; for we are all the same By nature, and revere the man of fame. XLIX. " Thou art renowned," Guerilla cried — " I am ! " the one-limbed chief replied — " Then quaff this wine, and here relate Thy last adventures small and i^reat : Give U8 thy victories to know, And tell us thy distressful woe, And show thy title and thy name, For sure, I see thou art a man of fame," 1C6 TUB GUERILLA-BRIDE. L. " I 've sufiered deepest, blackest wrong From northern, hireling, pirate throng ; And Mexico's for aye disgraced Else these base wrongs must be effiiced In blood. Can I forget Jacinto's field, Wliere we were lately forced to yield ; And 1, a prisoner, wait with shame To die as imbecomes a man of fame'^ LI. '' Curse Houston, his marauding band Who 've seized the fairest of our land. And all their minions. Houston, he Who fought, a devil ; though to me Aye sternly kind, his minions yet Had fled, like turkeys from the wet Cold hail, had he not led the game. And wrung a treaty from the man of fame '( THE GUERILLA-BRIDE, 107 LII. '' Swear thou that thou 'It avenge my wrongs; Swear Houston dies ; the rest in thongs Shall lie like lassoed cows, and bawl, Like captured calves tied in a stall. Lift now thy sword to heaven, and swear As now my titles I declare — Lopez de Santa Anna th' name — "What ! Think'st tliou I am a man of fame ? " Lin. The young Guerilla-Chief felt then The fire of wrath in every vein, And saw his nation's scutcheon marred. His ruling chieftain's honor scarred ; ' He grasps his sword, points to the skies, And swears: " By this old Houston dies ; I '11 honor tliee, wipe out our shame. And w'm myself the title, IMan of Fame.'* 108 THE G U E li I L L A - B K I D E . LIV. All, sad, sad shall thy heart become. And i^riet thy bride's heart-chords shall thrum Ere thou thy rash-made oath fulfil By bravery, treachery or skill. What will we not oft undertake For friendship or for honor's sake? And yet 'tis well that we should claim The honors of the title, Man of Fame. LV. But most would 1 commend the one Whose heart on patriot chords is strunp;. Be he of our own fairer land, Or does he rival to her stand ; The love of country should be crowned With praise wherever it is found — 'The honest mead is his — a name — Who \1 for his country perish — Man of Fame. THE GTJERTLLA-BKTDE. CANTO V . THE E I R T H OF \V i; S T F. R N STATES. I. Theough dangers great, tlirongh bloody strife That cost fnll many a ranger's life, The Chief of San Jacinto's field Had late compelled the foe to yield ; Now stood to view again the scene That fair, as though it ne'er Iiad been By aught but smiling milk-maids trod Was yet old San Jacinto's bloody sod. 110 THE G U ER I LL A- UK IDE . II. There had the "bugle's shriller sound A fearless little band called round The tall old Hero, whose command Gave strength to every tearless hand. And nerved the heart, unfearing death, To freedom breathe, or waste the breath. And nerved the arm the swoi\l to wield Upon old San Jacinto's bloody field. III. On had advanced the sullen foe, Intent to strike the final l)low, Outnumbering thrice tlie little band They thought already in their hand, To sink the 'Lone-Star' down to earth. And check a nation's laboring birth ; And make its freedom-mother yield Upon old San Jacinto's bloody field. TH E G U E R I L L A - IJ R I D E . Ill IV. But was it so i Thus easy fell The little band ? Ah, no ; too well The}^ knew who led them on, and p;avc Command to strike the foe, or save A comrade's life in hottest fray ; Too fearless were their hearts to lay Their armor down and tamely yield Upon old San Jacinto's bloody field. V. Stern Houston spoke : '• Ye comrades brave. Ye shall your country lose or save To-day for you and those to come ; Though, dying", shall not see it some. Say, will yo fly ? Shall all be lost ? No : you 'U not fly for thrice yon host. Then nobly on and never yield Upon old San Jacinto's bloody field. 112 TII E G UEKI LL A-BR IDE VI. '' Your country's looking on to-day To sec t}ie issue of this fray : Her honor hangs upon its end, If you shall yield, or her defend — 'T is Liberty, or Slavery's chains ; 'T is Liberty, or Dying Pains. 'Alamo' mind, and glory gain And vengeance on old San Jacinto's plain." Vll. The foe came on, and they were met. And the green turf with blood was wet As if a torrent had poured down And made the rising river drown The o'er-swept field. The little band Fought for 'Alamo,' hand to hand With the strong foe, but did not yield Upon old San Jacinto's bloody field. THE GUEKILLA-TJKIDE. 113 VIII. The con(|uered foe, in chains, proclaimed The 'Lonely Star,' by Freedom claimed, Free ; free as its unconquered steeds — That day made free by noble deeds, That Vv ell her sons riiay proudly boast, And be a pattern for each host. By toil, and sweat, and crimson stain Upon old San Jacinto's bloody plain. That day shall long be borne in mind ; That band a place shall ever find In every freeman's inmost heart ; And, Houston, Liberty, a part — A part that noble martyr band Which seconded so well his hand — Of both the praises shall be pealed — Hail ye — hail Hero of Jacinto's field. Hi THE CvLf E KILLA- BEIDB X. E'en so our fathers nobly bled : On Bunker left their martyr dead. And oft endured the wintry blast To flight for boon now waning fast In strife for office ; and the prize Of Freedom, turned to merchandise. O, days of old, return, return, And now, as- erst, let Freedom's star4ight burs SI. Let party strife be cast aside, And its pure light flow in one tidfr llesistless and serene. E'en so Was once its bright and golden glow. And yet, though party strifes abound, AVar-cries of politics resound. It still will here and there return ; And now, as erst, will Freedom's star-light burn. THE GUEKILLA-BRIDE. 115 Xll. Not only in our land it shone ; To other lands the spark has blown And lit the fuel, and the flame Is bursting upward to proclaim The early dawn of freedom's morn — A star to show an infant born, That soon will youth's full strength apply. And proudly wave the flag of Liberty. xiir. In every gale we hear the cry Of the oppressed, or "Want's sad sigh, While those who rule them thirst for blood, And rage, as tigers, wanting food — Give to them blood from their own veins, And food, as beasts are fed, in chains ! Swing the avenging sword on high And proudly wave the flag of Liberty ! 116 THE GUEEILL A-BRIDE . XIV. Shall tyrant always reign secure To blast the virtue of the pure ? To wreak his vengeance, and to seethe In blood who dares free thought to breathe ? To slay the noble and the brave ; And make a chained and wretched slave Of him whose soul would soon be free Were proudly waved the flag of Liberty ? XV. O, sacred spots where freemen fell, Wake thou a Warren ; wake a Tell ; Eouse other Marions, Houstons ! Wake Bozarries now, his sword to take. And lead the van to glorious strife, T' avenge the blood of wasted life — Let breath of every widow's sigh Unfurl the trampled flag of Liberty ! THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. 117 XVI. Shall Poland's blood bo spilt in vain i Shall Germany feel a useless pain ? Shall Hungary's sufferings be forgot ? Shall Turkey's blood but flow and rot ? No, not in vain, nor useless throes, Nor shall oblivion o'er that close ; But this baptize their noble free To proudly wave the flag of Liberty ! XVII. Let youths unite in joyous song ; Let youths each freedom-note prolong ! Ma,trous, weave banners for the bold, With " Liberty " on every fold ! Ye, who taste freedom in our land, Move on, and join the toiling baud ; Extend your aid, and ready be To proudly wave the flag of Liberty ! 118 THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. XVIll. Let those, who feel oppression's arm, Arise, nor fear despotic harm, Nor ignominy ; gain renown. Till tyrant's thrones are tumbled down Till Freedom cliauts her evening song, While all her sons the notes prolong, And Europe as our country free, Shall proudly wave the flag of Li])erty. XIX. Throughout the world may Freedom's claim Possess a being and a name — • A being that shall live and breathe — A name with ours we '11 gladly wreathe — Be felt in every living heart, And of itself a living part — A being that shall never die. But proudly wave the flag of Liberty. THEGUERILLA-BKIDE. 119 XX. Thus Texas had the foe o'crcome ; Now beat the anniversary driiiii ; There stood the Chief amid the throng, The object of affection strong : He erst had quelled the tyrant there, Ambition hunted to its lair, And brought it struggling forth to die Beneath the awful flashings of his eye. XXI. His form erect, and proud his mien ; His visage stern, and yet serene, Remembering of the dreadful fray — To that the contrast of to-day — That made all sad, yet sadly proud — This j&'om the brow dispersed each cloud — Both call to mind the foe that fly Before the awful flashings of his eye. 120 THE GUERILLA-BRIDE XXII. The nation, proud of its late birtli, Accounted sacred every spot of earth On whicli that nation-babe was born, And sacred, too, its natal morn — Not for the lengthened struggle there, But for its leap to being fair — Well worth to celebrate the hour That broke the hmighty ruling tyrant's power. XXIIL Thus in the West not only strain To life the forest and the plain, But cities, where no city late Was known or thought of; e'en a State. That was not yester, is to-day, To grow, to flourish, and to sway — A prosperous race with freedom's dower, Where lately ruled the crushing tyrant's power. THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. 121 XXIV* The prairie blooms with flowers wild, And echoes to the dark squaw's child, As o'er its level face he roams, Lost from his tribe — lost fi'om their homes, The wigwamed hamlet on its side, Where runs the river's laving tide, And answered only by the wild Fierce tiger-cat is this, the dark squaw's child. XXV. Another summer blooms ; not all Those wild field-fiow'rs does it recall — A house has sprung up there and fields — The soil a bounteous harvest yields — Full fruit for all the farmer's care. As striplings carol joyous there They stop and cry with horror wild — [child. They 've found the bleached bones of the dark squaw's 122 THE GUERILLA-BKIDE, XXVI. Another year has sped its round — : A village covers all the ground ; And busy hands are ever seen "With glist'ning tools in th' sun's bright sheen, Preparing homes for many more — And steamers lie along the shore : A city soon has buildings piled Above the bleached bones of the dark squaw's child. , xxvii. A State the while — a Nation now — The voice, the vote of thousands — How The mighty "West has changed ! Tho' new. It like a phantom seems, yet true To progress spreads, and leaps ahead With swift but most successful tread — The statesman speaks — laws are compiled Upon the spot where screamed the dark squaw's child. THE GUEEIL LA-BRIDE. 123 XXVllI. Thus — thus — to being springs and grows — To being springs with shortest throes — The mighty West Igaps forth, expands, Outgrows its youth ; tho' young, commands. Like stripling witli his arms thrust through His sleeves, liis ankles plain in view Below his outgrown garments ; so The mighty West makes bold but awkward show. XXIX. The one for battle grasps the sword, And gives the loud commanding word. Nor fears to meet a dozen foes Unsecouded. The West thus shows The fearless front in battle lield ; Nor yet to taunt her statesmen yield ; They battle for the right, although The mighty West makes bold but awkward show. 124 THE GUEBILLA-BRIDE. XXX. The West! The West ! I love the land From Northern Lakes to Kio Grand ! Ohio's border on the hither side, E'en to the bold Pacific's tide ! Thy forests, plains, and peaks that tower — All — all — are Freedom's holy dower — How swift and rank do all things grow In th' mighty West with bold but awkward show. XXXI. How small a space had Freedom late i- How circumscribed our happy state — The loved Republic we 've oft blest — To what it will be with the West — The giant West of fertile soil. Of plains, of rivers, sons for toil Who into warriors, statesmen, grow In th' mighty West with bold but awkward show. THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. 125 XXXII. Her Judges from tlr mechanic's bench With honest hearts that will not wrench The law from those in lower state — Our Nation's Halls, filled with the great Grown out of farmer's sons — the sons Of those who toil for scanty funds For maintenance ; and yet they grow. Till filled the West with bold but awkward show. xxxiu. The Statesmen, Heroes, Judges, all Our country's foremost, from the stall As barn-boys --- from the workshop's soot — Or from the farmer's cabin shoot To Presidential honors — fame Here hangs not on ancestral name. But workings 'neath the dark brow's glow That fill the West with bold but awkward show. 1126 THE GUEKILLA-BRIDE XXXIV. Look o'er the world, and scan all time, Explore the records of each clime. And vainly you will search to find Such leaping forth of human mind, Snch enterprise, such sudden start Of cities, states, and works of art As are now, and shall ever grow Till filled the West with bold but awkward show. / THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. CANTO VI. THE assassin's ATTEMPT. 1. Thus Texas had her power displayed. And gave the foemcn short saccade ; And now the anniversary feat They celebrate on chargers fleet. Brave Houston, too, rides proudly there. And breathes with joy of Freedom's air. That he had helped to purify When rang to Heaven Jacinto's battle-cry. 128 THE G DEEILLA-BRID E II. A youth approaches, wreathed iu smiles : " Here 's health rewarding all your toils ! •Your honors here ! Here 's ruby wine, Pressed by my hand from Texan vine ! " He gives to Houston, yet his eye Glares brightly, and bespeaks the lie, Though feigning honors still to sigh Where rang to Heaven Jacinto's battle-cry. in. His eye — 't is dark and full of fire. That shows revenge and hatred dire Disguised in softer smiles serene ; Yet beauty on his brow is seen ; And grace, and marks of nobleness, Such as might their possessor bless, Shine in his steps ; and by his side Is his — the beauteous, young Guerilla-Bride. THE GUERILLA- BK IDE. 129 IV. Houston receives the sparkling draught — The fiend within Guerilla laughed, And lights his e,yes — raised to his lip, He i2ieans its nectared sweets to sip ; Just now that eye-light lights his mind, And shows the treacheiy designed : As q[uick as sullen lightning's play, He dashes now the poisoned ciip away. . V. Tims aye are poisons in the bowl, That sting the brain, and kill the soul — Sting — aye, they gnaw the very heart, Give more, than thousand hells could, smart. They lurk around the tempting brim, And in the sparkling liquid swim : Then linger not when thus they play. But dash — O, dash the poisoned cup away. 130 THE GUERILLA-BRIDE VI. The eiip — dread tyrant of our land, Enfeebles many a noble hand ; And oft the bravest of the brave It levels to the veriest slave, And makes them wear the galling chains That chafe their limbs, give woe and pains Then rise, ye freemen, rise to-day. And dash — O, dash the poisoned cup away* V15. 'T is strange that those renowned in lore, The noble, should the liquid pom- Down burning throats. Ye, who'd be free From pain and grief, and kindred see With smiling brows come gathering round, And hear with joy love's ringing sound. With bolder heart your will display, And dash -— O, dash the poisoned cup away. THE GUEKILLA-BEIDE. 131 vm. Let each who'd share of honor's meed, And be from gross debauchery freed, And in his country's honors lave. Who would be numbered with the brave, Who would be by his country blest The noblest of her sons, the best. Rise manfully without delay. And dash — O, dash the poisoned cup away. IX. The church has heard Intemperance' groan, And it has even to the pulpit gone — Then each, who would the Christian heart Possess, who would from wrong depart And be more perfect with his Lord, Decry this sin in deed and word. And when temptations round you lay, Then dash — O, dash the poisoned cup away. 132 THE GUERILLA-BRIDE X. The young Guerilla had conveyed A poison foul to kill whom blade Or leaden death could not destroy — The tyrant's messenger a boy — A boy, sworn to the desperate deed, Or, if brave Houston lived, to bleed - Sworn in Chihuahua's halls of pride Sworn in the presence of Guerilla-Bride. XI. He 'd met adventures wild and strange As o'er the Texan plains he'd ranged, A reckless robber in the land. In wait to bathe his thirsty hand In honored patriotic blood — The blood of Houston, brave and good — For country's wrongs he justified The deed — and so his young Guerilla-Bride. THE G UERILLA-BRIDE. 133 XU. As flashes o'er the sky the rapid bolt, So disappointed rage revolt Shows on his darker brow, and scorn ; Across the sward he strides forlorn, Like an uneasy tiger caged. And high his desperation raged — As storm-clouds for a moment brief, So strides enraged the young Guerilla-Cliief. XIII. As the storm-cloud sends its red bolt — - As factions suddenly revolt — As th' tiger turns upon its prey, So turns he to th' unequal fray ; A pistol from his bosom drawn — An instant, and the ball had gone, To make the mighty hero yield Upon old San Jacinto's bloody field. 134 THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. XIV. The heart of Houston is its aim — Revenge has lighted up the flame — His heart is covered by the bore — His fingers press the trigger more As thus he foully means to slay The honored hero of the day — A shriek — a shriek — that shrill has pealed To every heart on San Jacinto's field. XV. "With hands upraised and horror o'er Her brow, a female springs before The mighty man — a beauteous shield. That in his danger will not yield — ■ Th' assassin drops his angry brow, And to the moss-hung covert now He hastes his flight in moments brief- The disappointed young Guerilla-Chief. THE-GUERILLA-BEIDE. 135 XVI. The beauteous creature, fawn-like fair, A moment lingers, gazing, there — Enough that lofty bosom to protect. And show the beauty Nature decked Her with ; folds on her breast her arms, And flies— her flight adds to her charms — She seems to them a hastening god Sent then to bless old San Jacinto's sod. XVII. To Houston thus her angel form Seems most angelic, and his warm Impulses long to bless her aid — Not long enough iias she delayed ~ And on the ears of those around His voice is lost ; for not a sound Has passed the growing distance wide Betwixt him and the young Guerilla-Bride. 136 THE GUEBILLA-BBIDE. XVIU. He knows not who she is ; hnt he Has seen her beauty, ss€fn her flee ; And much he longs to meet again Her, who his guardian friend has been ■ To meet, and bless h«r fearless form That sheltered him in sudden storm — - Again they '11 meet when griefs betide The fair, tlie sad, the young Guerilla-Bride. XIX. So I Kosetta saw — her beauty rare Took hold of me — the high, the fair The marble brow — the gentle eye That seems in liquid lake to lie, And even partly melted in Love's soft dissolving flood — her thin Transparent cheek so snowy white, Save where 'tis penetrated by the light — THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. 137 XX. The light that shows the purple flood In gentlest flush that ever stood Upon the cheek of mortal ! I Just met her --- saw that melting eye, Those floating curls, that lighter form So graceful, and the smile so warm — And she was gone — but yet I felt My bosom sigh — my heart within me melt. XXI. Gone, like a bird of gushing song. That pipes its notes the clouds along, Whose plumage we, admiring, see One moment, and its pinions free — And then, though gazing, wishing still, Pales to a speck -- to lowest trill Its song — the one no more is seen --- The other dies in accents most serene. 138 THE GUEKILLA-BEIDE. XXII. So came Rosetta — heard her tones — Saw beauty — th' beauty's gone — Saw her, and thought her angel there -- Saw her, and felt a longing care Steal through my sad and lonely heart That would not, lil^e that one, depart — O, is there not in beauty's spell Some strange, wild power the heart to swell XXIIl. To swell the heart, and torment give — To make us wish to die, yet live — To die — and be from torment riven — To live — and have one moment given — One dreaming moment, rife with bliss Drawn from those lips in gentle kiss — Or drawn, at least, in pleasure felt From those soft eyes whose looks the soul can melt. THE GUERILLA-BKIDE. 139 XXIV. The more we read a poem through, The more we there see beauties new ; ^ So, as we often trace the fair Soft features of the ones that share Our tender sympathies, the more The heart must bow, love, and adore — That poem must bear genius' mark — So this must shine with more than beauty's spark. XXV. More than mere beauty to retain The power that first impressions gain -■ Rosetta came again — we met — Met daily — she a beauty yet — The admiration of the throno- — And moonstruck each who came alono- o And yet I '11 leave the world in doubt Whether or not I bow in love devout. 140 THE GUERILLA-BRIDE, XXVI. Takes something more than even pure Unsullied virtue, and a sure Intelligence — abiding faith In one, and one alone — not breath Of vain coquetry — while the one Can love, or be loved, nor yet shun The shame of violated troth — When each is thus — and thus — let love rule both ! XXVIl. What shows the high intelligence ? Must boast of learning, or must sense Displayed in high discourse of things Learned, or soar on fancy's wings 'i What true devotion ? Oft the act Shows strength of mind, devotion's tact — While weak ones tremble, strong ones do ; And thus their worthiness of love show, too. THE GUERILLA-BEIDE. 141 XXVIII. Within the thick concealing wood Her chief— awaiting for her, stood — His brow was dark — his eye was fierce^ And to her soul's deep centre pierced. As searching to find what impelled, Or him by treason she withheld. " Why did you thwart me thus ! '' he cried. " 'T is well I love my own Guerilla-Bride ! XXIX. " Else had I pierced your heart withal And his with th' same undevious ball." " When thou shalt meet him arm to arm, I '11 gladly see you do him harm, To conquer or to fall ; but not By poison or th' assassin's shot." Thus nobly to her Chief replied In love, his beauteous young Guerilla-Bride. 142 THE GUEKILLA-BKIDE. XXX. " Thy country would not honored be By rashness or by treachery : Then fearless meet him on the plain,. And dare his sword to strife, and drain The utmost drop in heart-core bound Of th' Hero of Jacinto's ground — If conquering or if conquered, pride Shall fill the heart of your Guerilla-Bride.-' XXXL " Your counsel good I '11 follow well, And soon shall ring the conqueror's knell Shall ring, proud as he is, o'ercome — His boasting voice of triumpli dumb — Our Santa Anna shall be free From dreaded foe, and I shall be Rewarded for my suffering brief By being favored his Guerilla-Ohief." THE GUERILLA-BKIDE. 143 XXXIL Then hastening through the mossy boughs. With smile serener on their brows, They seek their horses on the plain. And quickly hie away again --- Upon their favorite steeds they go — One black, the other white as snow — With an equestrian grace they ride, The young Guerilla and Guerilla-Bride. XXXIII. Arouse ! Arouse ! Ye guardian band ! Stretch forth the strong avenging hand ! Who, of all Texas' rangers, would Not have the single foe withstood And single-handed, too, to break The hopes of him who lurks to take The life of him you prize the most — The noblest one of San Jacinto's host ! 144 THE GUERILLA-BKIDE. XXXIV. Who reaches first yon tangled grove Shall his own prowess singly prove — A foreign emissary w"ages war Against you in your borders far. Each ranger, mount your flying steed, And grasp your rifle, e'en to bleed Or conquer — On ! Shut not your eye Till on the plain the foe shall quivering lie. XXXV. A score of rangers mount in haste, And to'rd the forest ride apace — The band is small, but each a brave — Each jealous Liberty to save — But fearless far before them all Kides San Jacinto's Hero tall ; Nor will he cease the spur to ply Till on the plain the foe shall quivering lie. THE GUEEILLA-BKIDE. 145 XXXVI. He, spurring thus, outrode the band, Aud met Guerilla hand to hand, " Meet me on yonder plain ! " this cried, " I will ! " Jacinto proud replied. Both gazed a moment, and then drank The spur from either horse's flank. And to'rd the plain they quickly fly, Wliex'e soon the conquered foe shall quivering lie. XXXVll. The moss hangs thickly from on high, Concealing from approaching eye. Like thickly veiled and drapered bride, The bloom of Texan forest pride. Which waved with every breath that blew. And changed with every breath its hue ; Now dull, monotonous and brown ; Now vivid green, now golden .tints QQmg-^^owi^. 140 THE G UERILLA- BKII>B. XXXVIll. Tints softened by the dark relief, Like the fair smiles so sweet and brief. That mid the marble and the rose, On love's soft features find repose. The mocking-bird her varied note There pours frcm her ecstatic throat The mimic soimds — now soft — now shriii Now deep — and ever imitating stilL XXXIX. TIras oflt in different company fbuntfj Man counterfeits the popular sound, Dissimulating, takes the side . That pampers vanity and pride — He's one thing then ; but when at home- Another — he 's forgetful grown : Thus, like the mocking-bird, his will, Now right, now wrong, is imitating still. THE GUERILLA-BKIDE. 147 XL. With sight that foemen's movement eyed, They through the mossy forest hied. Unmindful of its beauteous charms Or aught but of their glistering arms ; Now parting here the drapery That Nature formed her garb to be ; Now, clipping with their swords the mass Downhung, they open for themselves a pass. XLl. Thus on they press till they have found The open space, the chosen ground. Fixed in their stirrups firm, they wheeled In circles far around the field — Now smaller grows the circling space — They now encounter face to face — Now flash their eyes with dreadful rage ; And blood alone their passions can assuage. 14:8 THE GUERILLA -BRIDE XLII. Like lightning, in the sun far blaze Their sabres, as on high they raise Them, twirling swiftly, to bestow. Or guard against descending blow — A moment thus in air they 've hung — Now on each other loud they 've rung — They clash the back and hack the edge ; And blood alone their passions can assuage. XLllI. " Revenge ! " the young Guerilla cried " Liberty ! '' the old Chief replied : These only from their bosoms break — These are the mottoes and the stake — Most nobly both receive the blade ; And nobly both have heavy laid In doubling blows aback again, While blood flows freely to Jacinto's plain. THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. 149 XLIV. High runs the fierce determined strife The one for Liberty and life, The other for a tyrant's guilt, Revenge. As tourneyment and tilt, "Was nobly fought in father-land. So fight these foemen hand to hand In doubling strokes aback again, While blood flows freely to Jacinto's plain. XLV. On Houston's breast a gaping wound Is spirting forth the red blood round ; A fiercer fire now lights his eye : With mighty sweep, he swings on high His twirling sword in whistling air, And down it comes resistless there — In fragments th' other's flies amain. While blood flows freely to Jacinto's plain. 150 THE GUEKILL A-BRIDE . XLVI. Th' Guerilla trembles in his seat ; Then falls beneath his horse's feet — Uuridered now — and now unreined — His white hair now with red blood stained — He wildly flies a shortest way — Stops — looks where the Guerilla lay, "Whose blood from wounds severe is poured, From wounds inflicted by Jacinto's sword. XLVII. Jacinto, too, as thus he stood Above his foe, was purple flood Fast losing — felt a darkness veil His fainting eyes, his strength fast fail To save from falling he had need To cling to th' mane of his own steed - He, leaning on him, moved aAvay, And left the young Guerilla where he lay. ttHE GUEEILLA^BRIDE CANTO VII . THE CAPTIVE AND THE RELEASE. I. Thus ends that single-handed strife — The vanquished surging forth his life — Just then, upon her coal-black barb, From mid the forest's mossy garb, A female dashed out on the plain, And quickly drew the slackened rein By th' fallen, bleeding victim's side — It was the fair, the young Guerilla-Bride. 152 THE GUEKILLA-BEIDE, II. Her scarf she speedily unbound, And with it staunched the surging wound, Impressing kisses on his brow That, fainting, was like marble now ; While near, their steeds together neighed, Each other gnawed, and friendly played. The one so black no white hairs show. The other white as winter's driven snow. III. She raised him gently from the mead, And placed him on his waiting steed ; Then led away within the wood To th' brink of old Jacinto's flood ; And there, upon the mossy carpet laid Her fainting husband in the shade, Who, rousing, sighed of home away, And of that dear one left full many a day. THE GDEBILLA-BKIDE. 153 IV. Below tha.t shore five fathoms deep The waters of the river sweep. Her husband rested on her breast, As she his wounds with kindness drest, And smoothed his jetty locks away, And sadly viewed the water's play ; And thought of th' babe that they had left, That soon would of a father be bereft. 'y: Her horse caparisoned beside Her stood, her only hope and pride : On him she oft had fled before. And hoped to ride from danger more, When dangers should hang thick around, And death-]3roclaiming bugles sound — T' ride home to Nora and her child, Yet mourn a widow of her Chieftain spoiled. 154 THE GUERILLA-BBIDE. VI. His arching neek and coal-black hair, Arched still more proud, made him more fair ; And the bright fire within his eye, iTnlying, spoke fidelity : His beauteous limbs' unresting play Proclaimed that he would be away — The tread of foes is near them now — Her chief to death-delt blows must quickly bow — VII. His strength too small -— his wounds too sore For them to fly, or fight them more — He 'd bravely fought — had bravely fell -~ His end was nigh — he knew it well : A smile of scorn was in his eye — Too proud — too brave to fear to die : But for his wife, his lovely wife, He felt a care, a care to save her life. THE GUERILLA-BKIDE. 155 Vlll. " They come ! Away ! Away ! " he cried ! " Away ! Away, Guerilla-Bride ! " With single leap the stirrup gained, The whip applied, his shoulder pained ; With few long bounds and light He leaped adown the giddy hight — Sunk now — now rose — and o'er the tide He lightly bore the young Guerilla-Bride. IX. His bride to distance safely fled, He little recked of his own head : The Texan rangers swiftly came, The guardians of Freedom's flame. With rifles grasped in sturdy hand — ■ Low bent upon their steeds, the band Swept on, and in a moment brief Drew round the wounded young Guerilla-Chief. 156 THE GDEKILL A-BEIDE. X. As oft the huntsman's baying pack, When following on the game's fresh track, With nostrils strained to th' steamy ground. Bound silent on, and sweep around The beast embayed, that sees no hope To scape the lolling mouths that ope Upon him. Even so rushed they Where, wounded, the Guerilla-Chieftain lay. XI. Meantime the young Guerilla-Bride They saw away in fearless pride, Whose faithful mustang quickly bore Her, dripping, to the further shore. And, leaping up the rocky breach. Bore her beyond the rifle's reach : She stood upon the hillock's side A sad and lonely young Guerilla-Bride. THEGUEEILLA-BRIDE. 157 XII. She stood there on the hillock's brow, And gazing far upon him low Must yield her husband to his fate ; But feared to see the dreadful hate Displayed by these, his country's foes, In oft-repeated, deadly blows — Her bosom heaved — was still — then sighed ■ And trembled then the young Guerilla-Bride. XIII. The color fled her beauteous face. And tears came trickling down apace — A suffocation seized her breast. As thus she stood alone, distressed ; And she had falFn but for the rock On which she leaned, such was the shock Of death-drawn dangers that betide The Chieftain of the young Guerilla-Bride. 158 THE GUERILLA-BKID E. XIV. He 'd raised his arm in evil hour, Against the law of right and power, To strike at Justice and at Law — He feels they '11 soon his life-blood draw And well he may, for this mad aim- At one so high in love and fame — Like wounded tiger crouched at bay, There, bleeding, helpless, the Guerilla lay. XV. So here before, expecting death, E'en Santa Anna held his breath ; Strove long to scape, but strove in vain And strove to hide in wood and plain : But when the Texan freeman band Had seized, they held with gentle hand The tyrant they had forced to yield Upon old San Jacinto's bloody field. TH E G UERILLA-BRIDE. 159 XVI. Thus once again this band surround The tyrant's minion --- soon was bound The young Guerilla — gave his sword — 'T were useless now to strive — if bored By many a ball, it must be so — Instead, none gave the fall'n a blow ; But kindness that was shown by each Should Mexico a passing lesson teach. xvu. Yet much I doubt if e'er she's taught, Till with her once again we 've fought ; Till yet another Monterey Or Vera Cruz shall sweep away Th' last vestige of her tyrant power That faithless changes with each hour — The remnant of her wide domain, And from the scroll of nations blot her name. 160 THE GUEKILLA-BRIDE. XVIll. They gently to his saddle bore The young Guerilla- Chief, and o'er The way moved slow to save from pain ; Oft stopped, as oft he might complain. To right him in his sliding seat, Or cool his wounds of fevered heat ; Nor wish denied to give relief To this their captive young Guerilla-Chief. XIX. Not less their care for captive led. Than wounded Houston at their head — All this was marked with anxious eye By her who gazed with tear and sigh From distant crag whose rugged face Concealed her in her chosen place : Nor shall be gratitude denied To thee, thou fair, thou young Guerilla-Bride, T H E G U E K I L L A - B R I D E . 161 * XX. Not long ere the Guerilla lay Enchained to suffer for the fray. His eye was dark — his mien was proud — His beating pulse was even — loud His breath came from his passive breast That knew no coward's shapeless pest -- Beside him stood the mighty man Who fought him late --- erst led Jacinto's van. XXI. He spoke: " Th' assassin and the spy By law of nations can but die ; It must be so ; I 'm forced to write Thy dooming warrant yet to-night — To-morrow, Chieftain, thou must be Launched into dark eternity. Thou, in the centre of our land, Hast dyed in blood thy emissary hajid." 162 THE GUERILLA- BEIDE XXll. He paused — " And thou must die I •' he said And the Guerilla bowed his head — Although his dreadful doom was sealed,. He would no child's emotions yield — He had resolved to die unknown, And meet his fate without a groan — He cared no longer now for fame : Hoped but to hide from history his name. XXllL The world might know some one ?iaddied — The action stand — the name denied — The youth who should peruse tlie page Might see a man in early ago Had sought to take the much-prized life Of him the first in peace or strife ; But there 't would die like wispy flam^e If he but hid from history his name. THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. 163 XXIV. So he, who under fictions name, Writes poems, nor cares for the shame Of censure on his weaker muse, So he is never known. Such use Without remorse each poet's horn, And laugh the critic into scorn ; Feel still delighted with the lay, Though stolen half from Shakspeare, Pope, or Gray. XXV. Yet he, whose name appended stands With these the scrawlings of his hands, Will strive to free his song from all Defects in style or matter -^ call With airy charms tlie public mind — With airy thoughts pure and refined ; jSTor each third stanza of his lay Be stolen from old Shakspeare, Pope, or Gray. 104 THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. XXVI. lie, too, who's heard tlie blast of fame Blow from the trumpet his own name, May well dread ignominious death ; But he who breathes a borrowed breath - Who does the acts of other men, Because he bears their name, may then Feel not this humbling of his pride, Because his mother ne'er shall know he died. XXVII. Guerilla's name shall not be hid — Not less than is the act he did : The fair, the sad Guerilla-Bride Sat far above the swelling tide Within the hillock's creviced side : Awhile she groaned — awhile she cried And yet from woe found no relief — Deep woe for her enchained Guerilla-Chief. THE GUEEILLA-BKIDE. 165 XXVIll. Wlien conscience smites or griefs arise, Thought gives not ease, nor dries our eyes — To her reflection added pain — Oh, should she ever see again The bright, the much loved youthful brow That, maybe, quivered, even now, In death before the foemen steeled To him on San Jacinto's bloody field ? XXIX. If she should see him ne'er again, If he should die upon that plain, Life were a burthen to her then. And hateful face of living men ; Her brow was sad — her eye grew wild - Awhile she wept — awhile she smiled — It was a smile too bright and brief To beam with hope for the Guerilla-Chief 166 THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. XXX. A wild, half maniacal cry — While wild determinations fly — "I '11 plunge me headlong in yon stream, No more of love and hope to dream, Nor have them blasted ; nor the flow Of disappointment and of woe To feel ! " — Shall such a fate betide The young, the sorrowing fair Guerilla-Bride ? XXXI. She started from her hiding place With fawn -like bound and fairy grace : Leaped to her saddle, and away To where Jacinto's waters play ; Springs from licr seat, by frenzy driven — Casts one imploring look to heaven — A moment — and the surging tide Might have gulped down the young Guerilla-Bride, THE GUEKILLA-BEI D E. 167 XXXII. Quick, as the impulse first was given, She seemed from purpose dreadful driven — As if a sudden thought had laid Its hand upon her mind, she stayed Her feet upon the brink, as, ere She plunged, she paused to drop a tear — As sudden as she came, she hied — O'er stream and prairie rode Guerilla-Bride. xxxm. As thus she galloped o'er the plain Her brow became serene again ; A calm sedateness — calm, yet sad Smile through transparent grief, that had Marked there her resolution firm : " I can but die, if other term Be not obtained ; and, by his side, I '11 fall his own, his loved Guerilla-Bride." 168 THE GUERILLA-BKIDK. xxxiv. Her cheerful steed obeyed her willj Audflew o'er plain, and vale, and hilly Through tangled wood, and prairie wide,. A short, and quick-accomplished ride^ Where numbers on Jacinto's ground Her fettered husband gathered round ; And soon, within their midst, beside Ilim stood his own, his loved Guerilla-Brixie.. XXXV. Houston had been revived, though still' His wounds had ached but for his will That only let him breathe more slow : Aside he now paced to and fro, AVith folded arms and darker eye, And anger waxing fierce and high — The smarting wound upon his breast, Unowned gave proud Jacinto mad unrest.. THE GUERILLA-BRIDE, 169 XXXVl. As thus he walked across the sward He muttered now — now strove to guard — " Yes ; he shall die, the villain ! He Shall teach the tyrant we are free. If Santa Anna 'd lose his life, Let him but follow to the strife ; Not yet a third time will I yield Upon old San Jacinto's bloody field." XXXVII. Thus Houston muttered — with quick pace He strode — strode with contracted face — He ground his teeth in agony And firm resolve still to be free — Though they may strive to take his life --- They may in secret — not in strife ; For who shall dare to strike a blow ? Shall tyrants triumph on Jacinto ? No ! 170 THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. XXXVllI. I'lius Houston muttered — with quick pace He strode — strode with contracted face — Just then a being fair bent low To earth before him, veiled in woe. '^ Brave father, must my husband die ? O, must he ? " was the saddening cry. With eyes of fire that, changing, blazed, The stern old Hero of Jacinto gazed. XXXIX. His eye grew dark and terrible, As thundercloud of aspect fell — It changed --- and now a smile, a tear, Like sun-ray on that cloud severe — Awhile both trembled in his eye, Then dropped, as from our April sky The big rain patters 'gainst the wall ; So down the Hero's cheek the tear-drops fall. THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. 171 XL. 'T is not unmanly e'en to weep — Achilles wept with sorrow deep — The Hero knew the creature fair Who 'd saved his being that day there : She 'd rescued him from ready grave ; And now anotlier should she save ! Another in his manhood's pride To honor self and his Guerilla-Bride ! XLI. There bent upon her knees, she bowed ; Nor hid her tears from gazing crowd — The Hero raised with gentle hand — His tears seen, too, by all his band ; Forgiveness flashed upon his mind — *' He 's free ! You both are free ! Unbind Him, and depart ! " great Houston cried. [Bride. " We 're free ! We 're free ! '' exclaimed Guerilla- 172 THE G UK KILL A- BRIDE XLIl. '' We 're free ! We 're free ! I '11 cut his bands !" In ecstacy she clapped her hands — *■' We 're free ! We 're free ! High thanks to you!" And quick as morning light she flew To loose her husband from his chains, To bathe his wounds and soothe his pains, Still crying in her child-like glee : "Guerilla-Chief, we 're free ! We 're free ! We 're free !" XLIII. " Return to Mexico from whence You doubtless came — from Houston hence This message bear your would-be king," Said Houston ; " tell your maimed thing That I can never conquered be As long as earth has yet one free ; Still to humanity will yield Upon old San Jacinto's bloody field." THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. 173 XLIV. Quick loosed the bands the Chieftain bound, While gazed the angry band around, And loudly call'd for sacrifice, As when the tyrant was their prize : But Houston more of honor knew. And now, as then, th' condemned withdrew ; Nor to revenge nor wrong would* yield Upon old San Jacinto's bloody field. XLV. Spring to your steeds, and be away — They spring, while still the rangers stay, By him detained, who as they go : " Thou saved this breast from crimson flow, And now another thou shalt save. Fly, fly ; and Heaven thee from the grave Protect, as thou this day hast done — A wreath from old Jacinto thou hast won." 174 THE GUERILLA-BRIDE. XLVI. Flying o'er prairio far and wide, Free, free, they homeward swiftly ride, With humbled feelings, yet with heart Waked to its nobler, better part Of gratitude. Revenge no more. But love their fond lips ever pour : Love still unmixed with treason's fire — Love that makes them their country's foe admire. XLVII. And now within their own fair grove They chant their lay of grateful love For him, who, when he'd conquered there. Could yet his fallen victim spare ; Who yet another gem revealed On San Jacinto's bloody field. Thus do they live in love content With their Guerilla joys in Union blent. THE GUEKILLA-BRIDE. 175 XLVIII. Not always in the mansion fair Above Chihuahua ; but oft there They visit Nora and her lord, Who live, forgetting field and sword,. And rear their Creole babes ; — but oft He sits on Justice' highest loft — Twice President, and long of Law Tlie highest Judge — tis Pay a y Paya. XLIX. Returning to his native home, He would not longer from it roam ; But deep immersed his mind in Law, Resolved his honors thence to draw ; And well he drew them — soon attained That higher loft that few had gained, Chief Justice of his native land — Twice President — shall Paya's honor stand. 176 TIIEGUERILLA-BKIDE L. His bride is honored and beloved — Their offspring, too, has worthy proved Of parents such as these ; --- and he, Brave Houston, sees his country free — Has wreathed its greenest laurels round His aged brow — is doubly crowned — Long let " Guerilla-Bride ! " be pealed With " Houston, Hero of Jacinto's Field ! " THE END. DEC \y^ Wljc ,0-5 Cr" LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 211 442 6