Volume Ii Part 11 (2/2)

Flashed all their sabers bare, Flashed as they turned in air Sab'ring the gunners there, Charging an army, while All the world wondered: Plunged in the battery smoke, Right thro' the line they broke; Cossack and Russian Reeled from the saber stroke Shattered and sundered.

Then they rode back, but not Not the six hundred.

Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon behind them Volleyed and thundered; Stormed at with shot and sh.e.l.l, While horse and hero fell, They that had fought so well Came thro' the jaws of Death, Back from the mouth of h.e.l.l, All that was left of them, Left of six hundred.

When can their glory fade?

O the wild charge they made!

All the world wondered.

Honor the charge they made!

Honor the Light Brigade, n.o.ble six hundred!

ALFRED TENNYSON.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

THE ROYAL GEORGE.

Toll for the brave!

The brave that are no more!

All sunk beneath the wave Fast by their native sh.o.r.e!

Eight hundred of the brave, Whose courage well was tried, Had made the vessel heel And laid her on her side.

A land breeze shook the shrouds, And she was overset; Down went the Royal George With all her crew complete.

Toll for the brave!

Brave Kempenfelt is gone; His last sea fight is fought, His work of glory done.

It was not in the battle; No tempest gave the shock; She sprang no fatal leak, She ran upon no rock.

His sword was in its sheath, His fingers held the pen, When Kempenfelt went down With twice four hundred men.

Weigh the vessel up, Once dreaded by our foes!

And mingle with our cup The tear that England owes.

Her timbers yet are sound, And she may float again Full charged with England's thunder, And plow the distant main:

But Kempenfelt is gone, His victories are o'er; And he and his eight hundred Shall plow the wave no more.

WILLIAM COWPER.

CALM ON THE LISTENING EAR OF NIGHT.

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