The Poetical Works of John Struthers, with Autobiography (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1850 Excerpt: ...from carnage reeking fields, In meek retirement's lowly vale, to find And comfort her, he, woful, left behind. 'Twas eve, the mountain tops with golden gleams, Were glittering to the sun's departing beams, O'er deepening vales the shades began to close, And from the lake the mist, thick, wreathing, rose; The balmy west winds, in the breathing grove, So soft expir'd, the leaves scarce seemed to move, Nor sounds were heard, except the trickling dew, Or where the drowsy, droning, beetle flew; Or where the mountain echo, deep and fall, Roll'd back the wanton bellowing of the bull: When weary Damon, from the green hill side, With joy again his straw-roofd cot descried: Its outside window-shutter painted white, The same as ever meets afar the sight; And the two oaks still round its gavel end, Set side by side, their sheltering arms extend. But whose kind arm, the shivering inmates poor, The while hath shelter'd from the bitter shower? Whose soothing voice, solicitous to bless, Hath mingled with the rough winds of distress? He asks his heart that throbs with secret fear, And in his eye remorseful shoots the tear. Onward he hastes--but hears a mournful moan, And, " Damon " calls a voice with feeble tone, "Damon " more strong, rejoins the voice again, " O where is Damon, that should sooth my pain?" Alarm'd he heard, though, full of wild despair, The voice seem'd all familiar to his ear. But who can tell his horrible surprise, When on the mourner poor he cast his eyes Laura alas his lovely Laura laid In death's last pangs beneath the thorn tree shade; Her clothing rags, with anguish dim her face, That wont to beam with every winning grace; Her babe, by hunger's forceful cravings prest, Lay idly grasping at her empty breast; Dread shiv...