The Deserted Brides.
Hearts bound so late by love's sweet hallowed chain
By war's fierce edicts rent,
Lie bleeding sore;
And scan with eyes from weeping well-nigh spent,
Love's waning signals till they see no more.
Heaven grant them soon to see those signals once again!
By Bertram's arrow pierced with fatal aim,
The Lion-heart was torn.
Beside him lay,
Of strength, by pain and bleeding torn,
One Eric whom the king had dubbed that day
A knight—no worthier yet—adorned the roll of fame!
******
Once more on Ragnor's brow the beacons blaze,
The Orient Pearl to greet,
On her return.
Two brides wait mid a throng of friends to meet
Their war-proof knights. The shades of rank they spurn;
They'd vowed for each a sister's love for aye and aye.
Heart Chords.
Sweet harpings break the stilly night's repose.
The seamen list once more,
As from her bower,
There fall those witching sounds they've heard before,
In days long gone, from Ragnor's lofty tower.
When hearts with voices blend what heavenly music flows!
Breathe fair, ye winds, breathe fair;
My true love's on the sea.
God, hear the lone one's prayer,
And bring him back to me!
God guide the helm, God fill the sails
And waft him with propitious gales!
Breathe fair, ye winds, breathe fair,
And bear my true love home!
Love's bonds shall hold him there,
No more, no more to roam.
God guide the helm, God fill the sails,
And speed him home propitious gales!