Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1866-03-14
POETRY.

POETRY.
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QUITE number Of typographical err
rors occurred in the first publication Of
the following verses, written by one Of
the editors Of this paper. The author
did not intend inserting it again, but
being requested by several of the literary
ladies and gentlemen of Memphis to dc
SO, we again republish it and give cor
rect copy:
SIEGE OF HEHsBUReH.
BYJ.AUGusrIEE sIoNAIGo.
l..
The rebel banner floatcd defiant from the tower.
As though il scorned the coming Of Conrad's'
mighty power;
And Guelphust, proud and naughty, swore ne'er
to own iiege
While with him stood warrior to hold against
the siege.
Then Conrad sent summon to yield him every
man.
ne poiNiJb -
you cani"
Then Conrad wild with anger. swore loudly they
should die.
No more the rebel banner should dare insult
the sky;
"Now by the heaven above US no more they'll
go at large.
Thisis the moment, warriors-upOn them to the
charge!
Remember in the carnage, they're only rebel
scum.
They yet shall feel our anger-they must be
overcome!'
Loud sounds the clash of wespOns-ihe hoTfid
shouts of men
The rebels are triumphant, and hurl them back
again;
Once more unto the fortress, once more they're
beaten back,
Each time they leave behind them long and
bloody track.
Then pealed the rebels lnughter-they thunder
forth in PRIDE
And the retreating foemen they scornfully
deride.
Let them exult," cried Conrad they yet shall
rue their fault
And on their ruined city my warriors shall sow
salt.
What hol block every outlet; we'll let those
rebels see.
If they can Aauut in Hensburgh it shall their
prison be.
Watch well their every action. and to their
latest breath
Wen cage them in their city. and starve them
all to death"
Time rolled away till hunger-no longer nov a
dream
Reduced the naughty spirits unto their last ex-
IRENE.
The starved, beleaguered city, now feels the
weight of woe.
Yet they must not surrender to such heartless |
foe,
But then, the, wives and mothers must leave |
the fated fort.
There is but one way left them-'tis the dsy"ier
resort.
what means that blast ?" asked Conrad" 1t
sounds flag of truce"
Then bid them go back quickly; we want no
such excuse"
my liege, tits some score ladies. who beg that
should say
Each woman from the city desires to go away
And BEG you'll grant permission that each and
all of them
Away. Al least, may carry their own most pre-
cious gem"
II do not war with women, so bid them all
prepare,
And with their gem most precious TO leave this
poisoned air.
Go bid each lady hasten. and with her choice
be of,
But that each man must perish who dared my
warriors scott;
60 tell them that their Emperor has pledged
his royal word
the Lord %
The message reached the city, and Conrad
watched the scene;
lie thought to see each woman adorned with
trinkets sheen.
But each one bore Jewel Of far more precious
worth
Than any gem Goleonda has given since to
earth.
He saw each woman stagser. for on her back
each one
Had either got husband, lover or son.
Then vonrad's big heart melted, and tears be-
dewed his cheek;
His voice was low and husky, and be could
hardly speak.
"Ohi sisters. wives and mothers, you have
conquered more this day
Than could ten thousand heroes in battles stern
array.
Yes, ye have won this battle; your tears are not
in vain;
Each foeman has his freedom-your constaucy
must reign"
They met--the Duke and Emp'rOr-and face to
face they Stood
Twas like dreadful omen before an angry
flood.
Then GU, spoke dauntless Guelphus " No fear
is in my eye;
l do not want your mercy I am prepared to
diel
Though palld now with hunser-my souli is still
the same;
I've done this for my people; I'll not disgrace
my namer'
Then answered gallant Conrad: will thou not