Nay, not so fast! subdue these gloomy fears! Behold! he quickly on the roof appears, Bearing the tender child, his jacket warm Flung round her shrinking form to guard from harm. Up with your ladders! Quick! ’tis but a chance! Behold how fast the roaring flames advance! Quick! quick! brave spirits to his rescue fly! Up! up! by heavens, this hero must not die!
Silence! he comes along the burning road, Bearing with tender care his living load. Aha! he totters! Heaven in mercy save The good, true heart that can so nobly brave! He’s up again, and now he’s coming fast! One moment, and the fiery ordeal’s past, And now he’s safe! Bold flames, ye fought in vain! A happy mother clasps her child again.
“O, Heaven bless you!” ’Tis an earnest prayer Which grateful thousands with that mother share. Heaven bless the brave who on the war-clad field Stand fast, stand firm, the nation’s trusty shield! Heaven bless the brave who on the mighty sea Fearless uphold the standard of the free! And Heaven’s choicest blessing for the brave Who fearless move our lives and homes to save!
Othello’s Story of his Life.
