BALLAD, FROM THE SPANISH. 157 



been formed on each of the alleged grievances, and reports will be 

 made by the more competent and experienced authorities, on each and 

 all of the suspected causes ; and that cure will be unanimously- 

 adopted by the whole Agricultural Classes of the United Kingdom, 

 which may, after due deliberation, be pronounced by the General Com- 

 mittee and Deputies assembled, to be the principal cause of a condition 

 so alarming and full of peril to the whole kingdom. 



We most cordially lend our aid to this valuable institution, with a 

 lively anxiety for its prosperity and immediate usefulness. 



Ed. O. M. M. 



BALLAD.— FROM THE SPANISH. 



When from France we went together, 



One and all, our faith we plighted, 



That, whoever fell in battle, 



We would bear him home to rest. 



But now, when the victorious Spaniards 



Press us close in hot pursuit, 



Amid the rain, and stir, and turmoil, 



We have lost one Patriot here. 



Seven times they cast the lots. 



For who should venture back to seek him 



To the good old man, his father, 



Seven times the lot was given. 



Thrice the lot fell fairly to him, 



Four times it was foully dealt : 



And yet, though it had not been dealt him : 



He could not have stay'd behind. 



Back the old man turn'd his bridle, 



None to bear him company. 



And in anger and in anguish, 



Ere he went, did he reproach them. — 



" Home to France ! ye recreant Frenchmen ! 



Ye who love your lives with shame ! 



Only for the sake of Beltram, 



Cowards, came I here with you — 



And not the faith which I have plighted, 



Nor the lots so falsely dealt me. 



" Send me back to seek my son. 

 Love and vengeance are enough ; 

 Since my son for love of honour, 

 Did not call to mind his father. 

 Back I go to St. Sebastian, 

 Back I go — remembering him. 



"But if oaths and plighted homage, 



Frenchmen ! are of force with you. 



Think not that by my destruction 



Ye from danger shall escape ! 



Cast again the lots, I tell you. 



See who next must seek for me, 



'Tis not for the dead I hasten, — 



Tis for vengeance and for death." H. 



