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Show a:l'inccnt ©ge (Fragments of n poem hitherto unpublished, upon n. revolt of ll1e free persons of col01·, iu the island of St. Domingo (uow llayti), in the years 1700-I.J T.uERE is, at times, an evening skyThe twilight's gift.--<lf sombre hue, All checkered wild and gorgeously With streaks of crin1son, gold and blue;A sky that strikes the soul with awe, And, though not brilliant as the sheen, Which iu the east at morn we saw," Is far more glorious, I ween;- So glorious that, when night hath come .And shrouded it iu deepest gloom, We turn aside with inward pain And pray to see that sky again. Such sight is like the struggle made When freedom bids unbare the blade, VINCENT 0Gf~ • .And calls from every mountain-glenFrom every hill-from every plain, Tier chosen ones to stand like men, .And cleanse their souls from every stain Which wretches, steeped in crime and blood, Uave cast upotl the form of God. Though peace like morning's golden hue, With blooming groves and waving fields, Is mildly pleasing to the view, .And all the blessings that it yields .Arc fondly welcomed by the breast Which finds delight in passio11's rest, 'rhat breast with joy foregoes them all, ·while listening to Freedom's call. Though Ted the carnagc,-thongh the strife Be filled with groans of parting life,' l'hough battle's dark, ensauguincd skies Give echo but to agonies- To sluicks of wild despairing,W e willing] y repress a sigh- Nay, gaze with rapture in qur eye, Whilst" FREEDOM I" is the rally-cry That calls to deeds of daTing. * * * * ·• * * 45 |
