Page:Fugitive Poetry 1600-1878.djvu/172

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154
THE MARTYRS OF ROYAL-LIEU.
They view the reeking scaffold nigh,
With dauntless heart, untroubled eye,
 Their blood so soon must stain,—
Lift up their vesper-hymn on high,
Swan-like, resolved to sing and die!

vii.
See how she bends her to the block,
 The foremost of that guiltless throng,
And sings, till 'neath the headsman's stroke,
 Is stayed at once her breath and song!
Yet still the angelic strain peals on
More thrilling sweet; till, one by one,
 Is hushed each tuneful tongue;
And to that sainted band 'tis given,
To join seraphic choirs in heaven!

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