SONG OF MARION'S MEN. OUR band is few, but true and tried, Our leader frank and bold; The British soldier trembles When Marion's name is told. Our tent the cypress-tree; As seamen know the sea. We know its walls of thorny vines, Its safe and silent islands Wo to the English soldiery SONG OF MARION'S MEN. 123 And they who fly in terror deem A mighty host behind, And hear the tramp of thousands Upon the hollow wind. Then sweet the hour that brings release From danger and from toil : We talk the battle over, And share the battle's spoil. The woodland rings with laugh and shout, As if a hunt were up, To crown the soldier's cup. That in the pine-top grieves, And slumber long and sweetly, Well knows the fair and friendly moon The glitter of their rifles, The scampering of their steeds. Before the peep of day. t 124 SONG OF MARION'S MEN. Grave men there are by broad Santee, Grave men with hoary hairs, For ever, from our shore. SONG. Dost thou idly ask to hear Woo the fair one, when around Early herbs are springing: All with blossoms laden, Shine with beauty, breathe of love, Woo the timid maiden. Woo her when, with rosy blush, Summer eve is sinking; When, on rills that softly gush, Stars are softly winking; |