"IN MEMORIAM" 301 



in. 



"There stood by the stake a sable form, 



His grimy arms were bare, 

 A heavy sledge on his shoulder swung 



That had fashioned many a share, 

 And his dark eyes shone like fiery sparks 



From the red-hot iron's glare. 



" Open the way ! Fall back ! Fall back ! 



And let the victim through, 

 To the mocking chant of the bigot priest 



And the muffled drum's tattoo; 

 They have tortured him long, but his spirit strong, 



Ne'er cowed 'neath rack or screw. 



" My First stepped forth and grasped his arm 



(He felt no muscle shake), 

 And led him within the fatal ring; 



Nor then did his victim quake, 

 When a chain was riveted to his waist, 



And round the fatal stake. 



" He had seen my Second red with blood 



Of friend and foe and steed, 

 He had looked on death in every form, 



He had seen a father bleed; 

 The flames of my Whole were a terrible goal, 



But he could not renounce his creed." 



IV. 



(August, 1849.) 



" She stood upon the scaffold 



With a firm, undaunted mien, 

 Condemned to die a shameful death, 



But yesterday a Queen! 

 Ill-fated Jane, how brief thy reign! 



How dark thy closing scene! 



" She fearless gazes on my First 



With sable trappings hung, 

 And to the bright and glittering axe 



She speaks with jesting tongue : 

 'Fear not to fall, my neck is small, 



Thy work is quickly done.' 



