V.

The tidings spread, and gathering grows the crowd: The hum of voices, and the laughter loud, And Woman's gentler anxious tone is heard-- Friends'--husbands'--lovers' names in each dear word: 110 "Oh! are they safe? we ask not of success-- But shall we see them? will their accents bless? From where the battle roars, the billows chafe, They doubtless boldly did--but who are safe? Here let them haste to gladden and surprise, And kiss the doubt from these delighted eyes!"