File:Ballads of bravery (1877) (14781862491).jpg

Identifier: balladsofbravery00bake (find matches)
Title: Ballads of bravery
Year: 1877 (1870s)
Authors: Baker, George Melville, 1832-1890
Subjects: English poetry
Publisher: Boston : Lee and Shepard
Contributing Library: University of California Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: MSN

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, like a tiger in his sjDring,They had surprised the corsairs where they lay,Sharing the spoil in blind security,And casting lots ; had slain them one and all, —All to the last, — and flung them far and wideInto the sea, their proper element.Him first, as first in rank, whose name so longHad hushed the babes of Venice, and who yetBreathing a little, in his look retainedThe fierceness of his soul. Thus were the bridesLost and recovered. And what now remainedBut to give thanks? Twelve breastplates and twelve crowns,Flaming with gems and gold, the votive offeringsOf the young victors to their patron saint,Vowed on the field of battle, were erelongLaid at his feet; and to preserve foreverThe memory of a day so full of change.From joy to grief, from grief to joy again.Through many an age, as oft as it came round,Twas held religiously with all observance.The Doge resigned his crimson for pure ermine;And through the city in a stately bargeOf gold were borne, with songs and symphonies. s4
Text Appearing After Image:
BALLADS OF BRAVERY. I07 Jn Twelve ladies young and noble. Clad they wereIn bridal white with bridal ornaments,Each in her glittering veil; and on the deck-As on a burnished throne, they glided by.No window or balcony but adornedWith hangings of rich texture ; not a roofBut covered with beholders, and the airVocal with joy. Onward they went, their oarsMoving in concert with the harmony,Through the Rialto to the ducal palace;And at a banquet there, served with due honor,Sat, representing in the eyes of all —Eyes not unwet, I ween, with grateful tears —Their lovely ancestors, the Brides of Venice.

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