THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE. HALF a league, half a league, Half a league onward, Rode the six hundred. "Forward, the Light Brigade! 66 Charge for the guns!" he said: Rode the six hundred. "Forward, the Light Brigade!" Some one had blunder'd: Into the valley of Death Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them Volley'd and thunder'd; Storm'd at with shot and shell, 226 Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of Death, Rode the six hundred. Flash'd all their sabres bare, Reel'd from the sabre-stroke Shatter'd and sunder'd. Then they rode back, but not Not the six hundred. Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon behind them Volley'd and thunder'd; Storm'd at with shot and shell, While horse and hero fell, They that had fought so well Came thro' the jaws of Death, All that was left of them, Left of six hundred. When can their glory fade? Honour the charge they made! Noble six hundred ! TENNYSON. THE HOMES OF ENGLAND. "Where's the coward that would not dare To fight for such a land?" MARMION. THE stately homes of England! O'er all the pleasant land! The deer across their greensward bound, And the swan glides past them with the sound The merry homes of England! Around their hearths by night, What gladsome looks of household love Meet in the ruddy light! There woman's voice flows forth in song, Or childhood's tale is told, Or lips move tunefully along The blessed homes of England! Is laid the holy quietness That breathes from Sabbath hours! The cottage homes of England! They are smiling o'er the silvery brooks, The free, fair homes of England! Where first the child's glad spirit loves Its country and its God! MRS. HEMANS. THE VICAR OF BRAY. SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BY A SOLDIER IN COLONEL IN good King Charles's golden days, Kings were by God appointed, And this is law-that I'll maintain, That whatsoever king shall reign, When royal James possess'd the crown, And read the declaration. The Church of Rome I found would fit Full well my constitution; And I had been a Jesuit, But for the Revolution. And this is law-that I'll maintain, Until my dying day, sir, That whatsoever king shall reign, Still I'll be vicar of Bray, sir. |