James Henry Leigh Hunt

The Field of Battle

The Deed of Blood is o'er!
    And, hark, the Trumpet's mournful breath
    Low murmurs round it a Note of Death—
        The Mighty are no more!

How solemn slow that distant Groan!—
    O, could AMBITION, wild with fear,
    The deep prophetic Warning hear,
    And, looking, listning vain around
    For one soul-soothing, softer sound,
    While near, unseen, the Fiends of Hell
    Toll round the wretch his fancied Knell,
                          Rave all alone!

        But, hark, soft Plaints arise!—
    Friendship, adieu; farewel, soft Love!
    I go to smiling Peace above:—
        The Friend, the Lover dies!

Yet, happy Soul to Freedom giv'n,
    Go where no proud tyrannic Lord
    Drives Man upon his Brother's sword;
    Where Angels from thine arms shall tear
    The Chains AMBITION bade thee wear;
    Where, on the once pale Cheek of Woe,
    In Smiles immortal, Roses blow—
                          The Bloom of Heav'n!