A brother's vengeance in the steel!"

Eagerly the blood-stained brand

Grasped young Jether in his hand,

While the spirit of his race

Lighted up his kindling face,

And his soul to vengeance woke

As he nerved him for the stroke!

"Now for Gideon and the Lord!"

He said—then sudden dropped the sword,

As from a palsied arm; and pressed

His hand upon his heaving breast;

And the burning crimson streak

Faded from his altered cheek,

[Pg 55]

As he backward slowly stepped,

And turned away his head and wept.

All unbidden to his eyes

Visions of his home arise:

The play-mates of his early years;

The spot that kindred love endears;

 Prev. P 52/176 next