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? * Originally published in the Literary Gazette. There stood proud forms around his throne, The stately and the brave, But which could fill the place of one, That one beneath the wave? Before him pass'd the young and fair, In pleasure's reckless train, But seas dash'd o'er his son's bright hair— -He never smiled again! He sat where festal bowls went round; He saw the Tourney's victor crown'd, 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 At many a joyous board; Graves, which true love had bathed with tears, COEUR-DE-LION AT THE BIER OF HIS The body of Henry the Second lay in state in the abbey-church of Fon tevraud, where it was visited by Richard Coeur-de-Lion, who, on beholding it, was struck with horror and remorse, and bitterly reproached himself for that rebellious conduct which had been the means of bringing his father to an untimely grave: TORCHES were blazing clear, Banners of battle o'er him hung, And warriors slept beneath, And light, as noon's broad light, was flung On the settled face of death. On the settled face of death A strong and ruddy glare, Though dimm'd at times by the censer's breath, The marble floor was swept By many a long dark stole, As the kneeling priests round him that slept, And solemn were the strains they pour'd Through the stillness of the night, With the cross above, and the crown and sword, And the silent king in sight. There was heard a heavy clang As of steel-girt men the tread, And the tombs and the hollow pavement rang With a sounding thrill of dread; |