THE BENDED BOW. It is supposed that war was anciently proclaimed in Britain by sending messengers in different directions through the land, each bearing a bended bow; and that peace was in like manner announced by a bow unstrung, and therefore straight. See the Cambrian Antiquities. THERE was heard the sound of a coming foe, There was sent through Britain a bended Bow, And a voice was pour'd on the free winds far, As the land rose up at the sign of war. "Heard ye not the battle-horn? Arm! ere Britain's turf grow red!" ་ And the reaper arm'd, like a freeman's son, "Hunter leave the mountain-chase! Take the falchion from its place! Let the wolf go free to-day, Leave him for a nobler prey! And the hunter arm'd ere the chase was done, “Chieftain! quit the joyous feast! And the chieftain arm'd, and the horn was blown, And the bended Bow and the voice pass'd on. "Prince! thy father's deeds are told, And the prince came arm'd, like a leader's son, And the bended Bow and the voice pass'd on. "Mother! stay thou not thy boy! He must learn the battle's joy. Sister! bring the sword and spear, Britain calls the strong in heart!" And the bended Bow and the voice pass'd on, And the bards made song for a battle won. HE NEVER SMILED AGAIN.* It is recorded of Henry the First, that after the death of his son, Prince William, who perished in a shipwreck off the coast of Normandy, he was never seen to smile. THE bark that held a prince went down, He lived-for life may long be borne Why comes not death to those who mourn? There stood proud forms around his throne, But which could fill the place of one, But seas dash'd o'er his son's bright hair- * Originally published in the Literary Gazette. He sat where festal bowls went round; A murmur of the restless deep Was blent with every strain, A voice of winds that would not sleep- Hearts, in that time, closed o'er the trace And strangers took the kinsman's place Graves, which true love had bathed with tears, Fresh hopes were born for other years— |