The way was long and yet twas sweet. Through many a shady soft retreat Where the broad willow semblance gave Of weeping beauty to the wave And elm with massy foliage prest
And feathery aspens quivering crest And many a spiry poplar glade And hazels rich entangled shade While onward as advancing still From Omars plain
1
to Cassels hill
2
Far yet more far the landscape threw Its deep immeasurable blue Oh beautiful those plains were showing Where summer sun was hotly glowing Many a battle field lay spread
Once the dark dwelling of the dead But fruitful now their champaigns wave With bending grain on soldiers grave. While far beneath in long array The priestly orders wound their way
3
Heavy the massive banners rolled Rich wrought with gems and stiff with gold While as the cross came borne on high Beneath its crimson canopy Many the haughty head that bowed
Sunk his high crest the warrior proud The priest his glance benignant cast And murmured blessings as he past While round the hillside echoing free Rung the loud hymning melody
Many a monkish voice was there Many a trumpet rent the air And softer, sweeter yet the same The sounds in failing cadence came No marvel that the pomp and pride