the triumphs of war.
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Forth from each village, and city, and hamlet,
Came the glad people their Chieftain to greet,
Beautiful maidens with flowers they had gathered—
Gathered to strew at the conqueror's feet.
Came the glad people their Chieftain to greet,
Beautiful maidens with flowers they had gathered—
Gathered to strew at the conqueror's feet.
"Long live our Chieftain! the boldest the bravest!—
"Long live our Champion!" re-echoed afar;
Proud grew his breast in that moment of triumph,
But dark was his hand with the crimson of war.
"Long live our Champion!" re-echoed afar;
Proud grew his breast in that moment of triumph,
But dark was his hand with the crimson of war.
Wide flew the gateways that led to the palace:
Banners were floating from turret and dome;
Fair ladies joyously waved him a welcome,—
Welcome once more to his beautiful home.
Banners were floating from turret and dome;
Fair ladies joyously waved him a welcome,—
Welcome once more to his beautiful home.
Bright flowed the wine that night at the banquet;
Pages presented it, bending the knee:
Young maidens danced to the gayest of measures,
Shouting aloud, "We are free! we are free!"
Pages presented it, bending the knee:
Young maidens danced to the gayest of measures,
Shouting aloud, "We are free! we are free!"
