: o : a i — 1 ■ M I s THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES FREDERIC THOMAS BLANCHARD ENDOWMENT FUND l*t THE ROYAL BARRACKS Scribimus indocti doctique poemata passim. THE ROYAL BARRACKS: S |M. DUBLIN : HODGES, SMITH, AND CO., 104, GRAFTON STREET, "Booksellers to the ehubcrsiln. 1859. PR AT* A R G U M E N T FIRST CANTO. 'I'hk Muse, long idle, is invoked to sing- The beaut] that exists every where— The Royal Barracks cursorily de- scribed—Prospect from its windows — The river and roads — Curious objects on the latter— A passing Regiment — A Funeral — The sudden and melancholy death that occa- sioned it — Peculiarities of habit and circumstance ob vable in Dublin - A shower comes on ; the Muse is recom- mended to take shelter in the Royal Barracks, and enjoined to refrain from satire ... ... ... . • - 1 SECOND CANTO. DESCRIPTION of the Royal Barracks — Draughts— Pmoky chimneys— Smell of gas, &c. &c— Its advantages as a place of abode— Its cleanliness— salubrity— quietness — order — security — and elevation— The regret that will be experienced on quitting it— The kindness that has endeared it. and the country generally, to the author — Inspection of a Regiment in the Parade ground beneath the Barrack windows — The Commander-in-Chief of Ireland ... 21 76437? VI ARGUMENT. THIRD CANTO. The morning of a Review — The Phoenix Park — Its beauty- Its various homes, beginning with the Vice-regal Lodge — The Review — Disposition of the Troops — Some of their operations — The Author's first experience of a Field-day — Confusion and uproar of the Battle — The Commander-in- Chief — Intelligence that the enemy are cut to pieces — Marching past His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant — The days of chivalry recalled, interrupted on^y by imperative suggestions of hunger — The Muse is enjoined to repose herself ... ... ... ... ... . . 41 FOURTH CANTO. The extreme beauty of night — Moonlight in the grove — by the lake— on the ocean — in the streets and alleys of a Town — in the Royal Barracks — The prospect from its windows at night — The order and discipline of military life — Activity in the Royal Barracks— Incessant influx of mounted Orderlies with despatches — Continual drill — The Prison — The Adult and Infant Schools — The Bands —The ' Retreat*— The Tattoo— The Bugles -The light- ing of the gas — The Sentinel at night — The Captain of the Day makes his Rounds — The Sentinel is relieved — The Muse also ... ... ... ... ... 61 THE ROYAL BARRACKS A POEM. CANTO I. My Muse ! thy once melodious lyre Hath idle laiu too long ; Up, then ! arouse thy wonted lire, And breathe thy sweetest song ! Come, at my bidding, conic ! The theme is worthy of those powers That brightened all my lonely hours, Once, in a fairer home. Let fancy touch the string, And aid, ye tuneful Mne, Whilst all triumphant she shall sing • Investing every meaner thing With beauty half divine. I THE ROYAL BAKHACKS. For Beauty dwelleth all around ; She reigneth every where ; She hath no limit and no bound In ocean, earth, or air. The very things Ave shun the most, A heauty of their own may hoast, And bear a hidden charm ; Each hath its separate use beneath — In grief lurks wisdom — life in death- Ami good in every harm. Beauty ! I would that I coidd rai*f> As high an anthem to thy praise, As he,* whose genius rare Knew not alone, but could describe ( )f nature's wealth each varied tribe, And pictur'd each more fair. He told, in words that shall not die, The glories of the changeful sky, ' Martin F. Tupper, author of "Proverbial Philosophy ." THE ROYAL BARRACKS. The verdure of the grove ; He sang, with all a poet's art, Of woman's beauty — woman's heart, And ah ! he sang of Love ! Love — that presides in every spot, Glows in the palace and the cot, Sports at the village fair ; Now takes a 'Household ' hy surprise, Anon peeps out from radiant eyes, And never tails to patronise The quiet Barrack Square ; That spot, that none may dare to deem For daintiest muse ignoble theme, Unworthy of her Might ; Mine doth not dim her lustrous wings, When of our soldiers' homes she sings, And paints those dwellings bright. The Royal Barracks ! — Grey and grand, In solemn majesty they stand ; THE ROYAL BARRACKS. "With gas-lit squares, and terrac'd strand, That sound to many a passing band, And walls that might a siege withstand, And ancient windows, that command As well the broad Parade at hand, As the more distant prospect, spanned !'.\ chimneys, that across the land An odour spread That illicit wake tin' dead, Of hot butter' d toast, divinely spread, But which really is vitriol smoke instead ; Vitriol smoke, that gloomy and dense, Obscures at once your spoons and your sense, Slackens your bracelets, as well as the river, And injures your appetite, gastric, and liver, Till at last you feel almost ready to choke, And to think it is really becoming no joke, To be always thus stifled with vitriol smoke. THE ROYAL BARRACKS. And yet we look serenely down Upon the river and the mud ; Though which is winch can scarce he known, Both often roll so black a flood, As side by side They silent glide, The road and the river, right into the town ; Though nothing at all's to he seen in the tide, And all sorts of things in the road so wide ; — All sorts of things — grand, gloomy, and gay, From the Vice-Regal carriage that passes that way, With its youthful outriders, in brilliant array, Going in state To some distant fete, Where the people have long been in anxious debate On what can have possibly kept them so late To the car, that darts by in so fearful a way, Tearing and dashing, Racing and splashing, G THE ROYAL BARRACKS. Careless of clashing, Reckless of smashing, Bumping, and thumping, and jolting its freight — And the four-footed thing, That is tied hy a string, And vainly appeals, With squeaks and with squeals, For pity from him Who lias charge of its limh, But who cares not one rush fur the anguish it feels ; But rather might sing, As he tugs at its string, The ditty that erst made our infant ears ring : — " Here we go up, up, up, and Here we go down, down, down ; and Here we go backwards and forwards, Here we go round, round, round — " For piggy's a brute of such obstinate whim, That he won't let the boy drive, but tries to drive him. THE ROYAL BARRACKS. But hark ! — I hew A murmuring near ! — Tis the roll of drums, And onward it comes — Louder and louder it falls on the ear ! In the stream of mud, By the Liffey's dark flood, Floundering nimbly, a regiment comes — Martial their bearing. Those men of daring, Little they're caring How foul the ground ! They'd scorn despairing, Though what they're wearing 8 pi ash' d is, and sharing The filth all around Horses go dashing by, Cars that drive slashing by, Men that dress flashingly, Drench them with dirt ; THE ROYAL BARRACK'S. All things bespatter them, Some might well shatter them, Nothing can scatter them, Naught seems to hurt ; On they go — on they go — As British soldiers do, As once they fac'd the foe Up Alma's height ; When each man fought to shield England, and scorned to yield, But through each bloody field Strove, for the right ! There — they have passed away — Banners, and proud array — Ne'er may they see the day Dawn, that shall shew England can e'er forget Aught of the mighty debt, She owes her army yet — Ever must owe. THE ROYAL BARRACKS, But soft ! a mournful band I see Along the causeway come ; Lo ! one borne sadly, silently, Past — to his long, long home. Though this his native soil — not here He breath' d his latest sigh ; He came — 'twas but to disappear ; Eecrossed the sea — to die! He died, struck down in manhood's prime, By that unerring Hand That smites in every age and clime, That nothing can withstand. Strangers beheld his closing life, His quickly ebbing- breath ; So swift the stroke, not e'en his wife Might reach that bed of death. Yet one there was — Ms child — on her The bitter lot was cast, To bid th' electric messenger Speed with its errand fast — 10 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. To seek, amid the general stir, How best to serve and minister To him who senseless lay — To weep and watch, And strive to catch His flutt'ring breath, as it ebb'd away — Then, standing by, To see him die ; And reVrently To close bis eyes, — and pray, Ah child ! an early mourner thou ! And broken is thy spirit now ! But who shall say what fruit Such woe may bring in alter years ? The seed that hath been sown in tear- Oft-times takes deeper root. For him — they lay him in his rest — Light lie the earth upon his breast ! THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 11 England his mem'ry keep ! He was a soldier tried and brave, His be the farewell soldiers crave !* Peace be upon his honor' d grave ! So — leave him to his sleep. Back to the living ! back To the changeful scene around ! From the river, that leaves no track, To the road, where tracks abound ! Where the waggoners crack Their whips with a smack, And a fearful whack On each animal's back, Till you shiver and shrink at the sound. 'Tis a stirring scene ; but oh ! Oft have I longed to know Why, when one waggonload Appears upon the road, The Guards fired three volleys over his grave. 12 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. You see not three or four, But a dozen, and sometimes more, Following eacli other one hy one, Till you think they really will never he gone, And that all the waggons under the sun Are there, as they say, " to the fore." Well may they sing the lay, " Wait for the waggon" here ; You really may wait half the day Ere file upon file disappear. Wherefore, oh ! wherefore is this 1 Why do they congregate so ? And why does an Irishman never say, " Yes" ! Nor an Irishwoman, " No" ? But always, " I shall, sir !" Or else, "Not at all sir," If you ask them to do so and so ? And why each enormous tub Do they poise on an empty one 1 So that if you should shake or rub, THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 13 As you pass, any part Of the waggon or cart That contains them, dear heart ! You'll have very good reason to rue. Ah ! if you're a reckless Sub, Be warn'd, and take heed what you do ! Pass gingerly by, On the points of your toes, When those carts you espy, If you see they enclose Poised barrels like those, Pass gingerly by ! If you don't, you may find a rough cub, In the driver, who'll give you a snub, And the barrel that's under, a rub, Whilst the barrel at top may fall over you, Hit, and then crush, and then cover you ! And each fond emotion, Each chance of promotion, 14 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. The leave you are wishing, Your prospects of fishing, Your hopes to shoot over Each excellent cover, All — all will he crushed in that barrel, and gone — There'll he, ' Dreadful Catastrophe !' — ' Somebody's son. — Concussion — confusion—. Discussion — contusion — And your brilliant career will be done ' Ah ! why are such barrels allow d To be poised in the midst of a crowd ? — And why. when the streets are a flood Of greasy, peas-soup-looking mud, Is it heap'd up and left on one side, For many a day to abide 1 And why are the stones they employ For the roads so immense, they destroy THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 15 Your wheels with their violent knocks, And your nerves with a series of shocks, As though you were driving o'er rocks ? And why in the Phoenix Park Are the people permitted to light (As oft I've occasion to mark,) The gas when the sun shines bright ! And why are those posts so placed On the path that the gate is near, That the tiniest waist And the tightest lac'd Can scarcely get through them clear ! If meant as a hint to exclude Stout persons, the method seems rude j Yet it's worthy remark That the rest of the Park Is favor'd with hosts Of such wide-plac'd posts, 16 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. That through them with case The stoutest may squeeze, Nor yet bend their crinolines more than they please ; So perchance 'twas a whim Of some Viceroy slim, AVho resolved that that walk should be sacred to him, In those days of yore, When the fair sex wore Real hoops, which effectually screen'd every limb, Ami gave them an air of appearing to swim, With a grace at once stately, alluring, and prim! Ah me ! how I long to know The reason of all these things ! Perhaps might shew. For he fathoms the secret springs Of men's minds, and conviction brings To your own with a kind of spell, As he sweetly endeavours to prove Why this thing should do very well, THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 17 And that thing must be so and so. — Or perhaps M might know ! Or if some suggestion Should occasion each question To be asked in "The House," this season, No doubt Lord Would rise in his phv e, And for each give a very good reason. But turn we awa\ From such themes to-day, From tin' road, too, grown misty and clouded — The road, did I say 1 From hence one may see (( roing all the same way,) Not one road, but tin When the prospect in rain is not shrouded ! But muse, gaze no more On this even down pour, 18 Till ROYAL BARRACKS. That obscures both the earth and the air — Twere better to come To my cheerful home, My home in the Barrack Square — There — lay your lyre by — Spread your win^s out to dry — \ n< I whil.-i some hot tea 1 prepare, Just toss off a soi 1 1 On — whatever you choosi M y old winter bonnet, ( m -n\ erall shoes — The charms of this spot — Che bag-pipes — what not? Only mind, Miss Muse, I "will have no abuse ; So don't think to infuse In the language you use, That ironical vein which I never excuse ; THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 19 I'm strict, you're aware ; And you'd better take care, Whilst you sing, to forbear From satire— and cut up my home if you, dare ! 2* CANTO II The Royal Barracks are grey and old, And stately, and solemn, and long ; And they would, no doubt, be uncommonly cold, "Were the walls less solid and strong ; For tin- winds whistle shrill Round each grey window sill, In a way that is often distressing ; And the sashes are such, That they don't shield you much, When the breeze takes occasion to press in ; For they fit no better Than a young lady's letter, In a cover ''official," and "pressing ;" 22 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. Whilst the doors, which one knows Were inU nded to close, Only keep out the air if you list 'em, Which few would neglect, Who, as I do, ol»ject To their process of cooling the system : Or who yet arc aware. What impediment lurks To immediaU repair, In the Board of Works ; (Which with, more than o/them, seems Bored ;) i >i how one must learn, 1 1 one should apply late, To watch for one's turn, And snbmit to one's fate, Nor chafe at the stern Decree of the State, Which is — that one's doors and one's windows must wait. THE K<>Y \l. BARRACKS. 23 But in spite of delay, "Which is often provoking, As for instance, some day, When you* chimneys are smoking, And you see no third way lietween I'lvziuy . i ! 1 < 1 choking, And your cook conies to saj "That the boiler is broke in "The kitchen, and therefore, " If dinner yon care for, "She's sorry to mention "With the kindest intention, "Yon can have none to-day, "]S T or when next, she can't say, ■• For they blacks they flies in, in so fearful a way, " And the smoke ! la ! t' would drive any Christian away !" So the friends you've invited must dine as they may ! 24 THE ROYAL BARRAl Or some night, when alas ! Of those friends you've got some few, And the smell of the Has though! proper to come too And you scarcely can bear To remain in your chair, As the odour yen share : And your kind guests, to N]>are Sour confusion, declare (Though ready to taint) thai they're barely aware < If the -lncl! : yel prepare To depart, whilst you dare X.'t detain them, bul stare At the Lights, as they Man-, With their glitter and glare, Proving sad want of care In your servants ; for when They are heedful (though rare Such attention !) 'tis fair To remark thai each drawing-room, passage, and Btair, .ill ROYAL BARRACKS. L\ r > Is as pure everywhere As the free Barrack Square, Where you'd gladly repair If you could, for fresh air, In your evening dress, and your dire despair ' In spite of such things, which it must he confess'd Don't greatly conduce to your comfort and rest, 1 f with nerves not the strongest you chance tohebless'd — . In spite of the doors, And tlic LU-join'd floors, Tin dtaughts of the attii That whisper rheumatics, The gales, that will plaj To your utter dismay, Round the Barracks grey. Twice a week, one may say, And the bag-pipes, that do so, some ten times a day ; In spite of the guard That protects each gate, 2G Till ROYAL BARRACKS. Which last you find barrM, If you come home late, And as grim and hard And unyielding as fete — In spite of the sentries Plac'd over the entries, To whom— did you dare, You would oiler a chair, , An. I a hope they enjoy themselves— taking the air — In spite of the very bare ground, Where nothing like growth can he seen, The greynesa of all things around, The absence of everything green, The somewhat monotonous life, Enliven'd by bugling and drill, The sound of the drums and fife, Whieh in sleep seems to haunt you still, In spite of the grave surprise You behold in acquaintance's eyes, THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 27 When they hint that they Could nut live one day In barracks, and think very few could ; And, with your refined And poetical mind, They really do wonder that you should — In spite of your old-fashion'd house, Where every room has an inner, And every corner a mouse, Intent upon finding a dinner — In spite cf the larder, where meat Very soon gets unwholesome to eat, And the sentinel peeps in, To see how it keeps in A place that in fact's hardly fitted to hold meat ! Where the rats are too fond of inspecting the cold meat ' (How the thought makes one shiver '.) And do what you will, They're not easy to kill, For they've hundreds of cover'd ways down to the river ! 28 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. Iii spite of all this, and much more, That would take such a time to go o'er, The muse would be voted a bore — My home in the Barracks I love — And e'en if some friend, A palace would lend. No power should tempt me to move. For it's airy, and cheerful, and bright, My home in the Iiarrack Square! \nd tranquil by day, and by night, Thanks to the sentinels there, \nd when dark is the Liffey's tl I, And misty and hot the air, And the streets are a river of mud Fresh is our Barrack Square. Its terrace is dry as a bone, And smooth its parades, and fair ; The squalor and tilth of the town Never can penetrate there. THE ROYAL BARBACKS. 29 No mendicant wealthy in brogue Or in brats, ever haunts our way. No foreign itinerant rogue Torments us with singing or play No mice, nor canary-birds pale, (With probable cheating in those*) * Thereby hangs a tale, (Though you'll say, not steadily ') A canary for sale Was purchased quite readily, By a friend in the street Whom I chanced to meet. Twaa a very hne bird, \ - the vendor averr'd — But 1 afterwards heard This story amazing — Whilst the lady was gazing Full at its tail, as it sat in its cage, In mute admiration. Secretly wondering what was its age ; — To her great consternation The bird gave a lurch, And down from its perch, 30 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. Can ever be offered for sale, Nor staylace thrust under our nose ! From the Railway, no turbulent throng Of cars, caii dash over the road, No bull can come plunging along Our terrace, unsullied and broad — No car-drivers, here in the square, Can stir one another to Strife, No midnight assassin can dare With dagger, revolver, or knife, To beg for our money or life ! Tis true we are asked, " Who goes there ?" "But the sentinels never intend To shoot us down there, in the square, If we do not make answer, "Afri< j >it roofs, thou smilest, fragrant, fresh, and sweet, Ignoring each low quay and neighb'ring street, Whilst calm the river flows beneath thy verdant feet. I low shall I sing thy varied charms 1 How tell In fitting phrase what all must know so well Who but behold them ? whilst my praise might seem To strangers' ear like brilliant fairy dream ! Each season finds thee lovely still ! The spring — When, one wild mass of beauteous blossoming, Thy thorns make white the pasture— spring is fair Among thy glades, and loves to revel there ! THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 43 Then, bright as burnish' d gold, thy furze is seen ; Thy budding trees put forth their tend'rest green ; And many a cowslip fair and primrose pale Lend their soft perfume to the passing gale. Balmy are then thy zephyrs ! Health and ease Might well be wafted on each fragrant breeze, And sorrow's self could scarce, methinks, repress One smile, whilst gazing on thy loveliness ! Happy, thrice happy those, whose favor'd lot Their home hath plac'd in so serene a spot ! Where, free from dust and dirt, from din and stri 6 -, They yet may mingle in a city life, If so inclin'd — attend the Castle balls, Hold at bazaars the philanthropic stalls, And run the ceaseless round of morning calls. Within such wide domain full many a home Lies scatter' d ; some conceal' d, resplendent some; 44 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. But none that equal, or in size or site, The Lodge Vice-Regal, glittering and white, With its fair terrac'd gardens, whence you mark Each sep'rate object in th' adjacent Park — Its racket-court, the scene of brilliant ]>lay, ( If well -contested fights and plaudits gay — its velvet lawn, where Croquet oft inspir'd The meek with hope, with strength the timid fir'd — Its fragrant flowers — its infant avenue, A future grove of dark-ting' d Irish yew — Its winding Avalks, thick woods, and shady seats, Affording grateful rest and cool retreats Beside its lake, where oft in tiny boat, < )n summer days, Ave idly loVd to float, While rose the voice of song from many a tuneful throat. Ah ! fitted well such grand abode to be The scene of princely hospitality ! And all — the wise, the witty, brave, and fair — Old age and youth — alike find greeting there ! THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 45 Whig — Tory— Radical — the grave — the gay — Parson — and priest — alike their passions stay ; Forget, whilst there, each point of high dispute, Or, if remembering such, are wisely mute, And only seem to vie how each can most Pay heartfelt homage to their courteous host, Bask in his smiles, with cordial warmth combine To drink their Monarch's health in sparkling wine, That equal to each sect, each party flows, Free as the heart which no distinction knows, But warmly welcomes to the social feast Not only proud and great ones, but the least, And still maintains throughout the rolling year The same unvarying round of gen'rous cheer ; As all may mark ; for in the summer's prime, Or the dark days of winter's frosty rime, Those chimneys tell to gazer's curious looks Alluring tales of choice artistic cooks, Who, whether ten, or ten times ten partake Their ample fare, can yet contrive to make 4G 1 1 1 1: ROYAL BARRACKS. A special dainty of eiu-h sep'rate dish, In flesh and fowl meet eVry gourmand's wish, Nor, like poor Vatel, • die for want of fish. N'»r this the only roof from whence arise Such hospitable vapours to the skies ; Almost within a bow-shot^ see the road Thai onward leads to thai well-known abode, The Secretary's Lodge, whose halls have been, Full oft, of gay and festive hours the scene : And, further yet, the home of one whose hand And head have well and nobly serVd this land, With hard-wrought toil, unvarying, many a year, NTor ' v&r falter'd in his calm career ; liut, with a mind endowed with powerful sen-'-. Judgment mute, and rare intelligent * Vatel — le grand Vatel — maitre d'hotel de M. Fouquet, voj- ant que ce matin h huit heures la mar& n'e'toit pas arrivee, a'a TITE ROYAL BARRACKS. 47 Possess'd that courage high that cannot quail, A quiet firmness never known to fail, Andgrasp'dthelargesl news, norscornedtheleast detail — And many a friendly roof besides ; hut vain To speak of all that grace this grand domain, Where not alum' the Via roy dwells, and some To whom the right of office gives a home, But where our country nohly tends and shields The sons of men who in her battle fields Save foughf and bled ; and proves by fosfring cai Her grateful sense of what those fathers were, And what their <\>. Nor can a fairer sight Be seen, than those young tares, fresh and bright, That tell of gen'rous nurture, ample food, And kindly teaching from the wise and good. See them, with glowing cheeks and sparkling eye-, Met to receive the hoped for yearly prize ; pu soutenir l'affront dont il a cru qu'il alloit etre accable", et, en un mot, il .sY'st poignarde". La maree est arrive'e de tous cote's, comme il expiroit. — Lettre de lime, de Sevigne'a Mme. de Grignan. 48 THE ROYAL BARRACK B. Mark each, with radiant smile, and face upturn'd, Losfning to praise that his own toils have earn'd, Ami vowing, his careei so well begun, To do Buch deeds as aever yet were done, And prove, at least, a future Wellington. I'tMir little heroes ! there may come a time When, serving in some strange and distant clime, Scorch'd by fierce heat, or chill'd by blinding snow, Thej .-hall regret these 'lays of long When in this lovely spot they knelt and played, And many a wild, ambitious projeel made. And in some dreary outpost, when with awe They see again such beasts a- erst they Baw Eere in the Phoenix Gardens, then the days Shall !»■ remember'd, when the voice of praise Fill on their ears, and spoke their high reward — To see those fearful monsters, cagM and barr'd ! And, as they gaz'd on each — (terrifie sight? Haunting their youtliful pillows through the night) THE ROYAL BARKACKS. 49 They little thought such brutes to meet again, Famished and fierce upon their native plain. Ah ! those fair Gardens ! mid their tranquil bowers Oft have we whiled away the rosy hours ! Nor shall it be forgot how there we oure'd The new-born lion — favor'd thus the first ; An.l b] Long habit so familiar grew Not only to the keepers there, who knew And lnv'il as well, and would our coming court, But to the captive beasts — each tamer soil — Which with wild eye and eager spring would strive To catch the dainties that We chose to give ; And, most of alL the cunning monkey tribe, Which, like mankind, would chatter, jeer, and jibe And, still more like, would not refuse a bribe ! But, whilst descanting thus on many a spot In this vast Park, the Field-day's all forgot ! 50 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. The glorious Field-day, that the Muse, inspir'd By hopes of deathless fame, to sing aspir'd ! Lo ! whilst she thus digresses in her song, [inpatient, wond'ring, wait the warlike throng. Behold the wide-spread Fifteen Acres ! Gaze, < raze on the assembled mass — one scarlet Maze — And blush, oh ! Muse, to think ^hy rash delay (Alheil ii" theme ignoble claim'd thy lay, ) Should waiting keep such troops on such a day ! But they are met within this spacious Park ! And now their nohle Chief advances. Mark 1 1 is air, as swift he canters ! By his side, Perchance a step or two behind, doth ride The Gen'ral of Division ! Following near, A brilliant, varied throng, the Staff appear, Whilst crowds of orderlies bring up the rear. In two long lines, contiguous-column' d, see Drawn up in proud array the Infantry ; THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 5L Behold the Cavalry, dispos'd in front, Prepar'd, as ever to endure the brunt, Of battle ; whilst on either side the eye, Shrinking, encounters dread Artillery. The whole advance — and now begins the fight ; The heavy guns, from station on the right, Boom forth their awful thunder — and the Horse Impetuous charge, with overwhelming force ! By files, the first brigade begin their fire ; Back to their Hanks the Artillery retiiv ; And well the Skirmishers their task fulfil, Harass the foe, and do him deadly ill ; Then, sweeping round, to either flank incline, To clear the front — one long-extended line. Behold that line, with measur'd step advance, Strength in each tread, defiance in each glance — With arms at trail, they move with one accord, And wait " The charge" that never failing word — 4* 52 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. Grand talisman of war ! which all -who hear At once take up with one tremendous cheer, And, rushing onwards, close upon the foe, Bringing complete, disastrous overthrow ; Whilst follow swift the Light Dragoons, to sweep Those vanquish'd warriors far, like scattered sheep ' Furious they come, with dash, and slash, and crash, » Till all becomes one grand dissolving smash ! Meanwhile the troops in rear advance, to aid Those wearied men, the gallant First Brigade; Who, form'd in fours, await the help they prize, Then elose their ranks, and count their casualties, Repair their arms, their magazines renew, Ere they tie- enemy again pursue. But vain to pause o'er i ach detail, or strive Bach separate movement of the day to give : For now the battle rages ! Fierce and loud The mighty cannon roar ! The accustom' d crowd, 1 leedless alike of fire and of the foe, Gloat on the guns, and follow where they go ! THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 53 Not so one morn with me, when first I sought The adventurous field, all eager and untaught ! Parted from those who should my course have led, I lost — not friends alone — I lost my head ! In vain I strove to 'scape the fire ; in vain, Bewilder'd, scar'd, I gallop'd o'er the plain ; Still — still — if quiet spot I thought to find, With furious speed the guns dash'd on behind, Wheel'd round, unlirnber'd, and from jaws whence death So oft hath sped, belch'd forth their flaming breath. Then, when appall'd I turn'd once more to flee, 'Twas but to meet a charge of Cavalry, Chasing in full career the routed foe ; And how I 'scaped myself, I scarcely Icuoav ; But whilst still trembling with the glad surprise, Behold, a volley fir'd before my eyes ! And clouds of densest smoke obscur'd my sight, \Vrapp'd me in gloom, and mystified me quite ! 54 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. But cease the tale ; I gladly turn away From all remembrance of the dreadful day That led my coward-soul to comprehend How love of life with instant flight may blend, And how to aid them terror wings may lend ! Since then, experience-taught, I've learnt to shun Each desp'rate charge, and scarce less desp'rate gun, Not have I stood the fearfid chance again, T( > leave my corse upon the battle plain. But to our field-day ! "Whilst I'm thus digressing, Hard on our troops the enemy are pressing. And, as on Alma's hill, the gallant Guards are dressing ! All now is uproar ! See on every side Wild aid-de-camps, like reckless madmen ride, Swift as the wind, his mandates to obey Who not restrains, but animates the fray. There booms a gun ! beyond that distant ground — Bright flash, soft-wreathing smoke, and then the sound ! THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 55 There goes another ! then two more unite — And more — till all the ridge is lost to sight ; Only you see wild darkling forms appear, Flitting amid the smoke, or looming clear, Whose fiend-like task seems to perform the will Of those dread messengers of death and ill. Here sounds the bugle — there, the painful note Of hoarse command from many a husky throat, Straining in fierce discordance ! Down below, Hark to the squadrons charging on the foe, Spurning the ground that trembles as they go ! But see, a man unhors'd ! Pale, prone, he lies, Where his steed stumbled, which without him flies ; And now another — but unhurt the last, And up he springs, and, mounting, follows fast ; Whilst soldiers bear the pale dragoon away, One helpless victim of th' eventful day. Where'er you turn, confusion meets your gaze, Helmets, and hoofs, and spurs, and swords, and blaze ! 56 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 1 > mger is everywhere, and discord dire, Volleys, attacks, retreats, and foes, and fire ! Yet, midst the turmoil of this wondrous scene, Proudly the Chief rides on, with brow serene. As in each glorious action that he fought, The post of danger was the place h*e sought, - now, where'er the strife prevails, where'er The mimic war reigns fiercest, he is there ; As calm when movements he has plann'd have fail'd, As oft of yore when foreign foes assail' d ; Himself a pattern for the world to see Of what a hero, what a chief must be, Who would lead England's troops, and lead to victory. But now the struggle's reach' d its utmost height : Fiercer than ever seems to rage the fight ; All hope of calm's completely done away with, And one poor major has been run away with. — THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 57 When, as by magic, lo ! the uproar ceases, We learn the enemy are cut to pieces, Nor can words tell the gallantry with which The troops who cut, have lodg'd them in the ditch ! Such are our wars, from whence no sorrow springs, Like those which serve for sport alone tu kings, Whose fell ambition, vulture-like in mood, Sniffs death afar, and thirsts for human blood ; Heedless alike of earthly grief and pain, Their only thought to spread their wide domain, And captive lead mankind, with ruthless sword and chain. The strife thus ended, then, what can ive do Better than end our song, and our Review 2 But first, to mark the sense all entertain Of deeds so valiant on the battle plain — Deeds worthy of our soldiers' high repute — They must march past the Viceroy, and salute. 58 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. This they perform, as ever, in a style Fax, far beyond all praise of mine ; the while The Lord Lieutenant, with that noble grace That well becomes his dignity of place, Keturns the greeting ; and his gentle Bride, Fearless, on fiery charger by his side, Approving smiles. As on that Pair, we gaze, Fancy might bear us back to former days — iS'ot those when he, fair Scotia's son, intent On knightly feats, proclaim'd a tournament ; But elder times, when heroes rush'd to tilt Where spoils were won, and noblest blood was spilt. Then he, amid the flower of chivalry, ] lad princely moved ; or stood as now, to see, How in the lists each belted warrior strove For England, glory, and his ladye love ; And when the victor knight had triumph won, His meed had been th' applause of Eglinton, And one bright smile from her, whose gentle eyes Had told th' admiring thoughts that heroes prize ; THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 59 For Beauty's smile upon each gallant deed Is heroes' "best reward, and if they bleed, What matter ? so Iier heart can hleed again, Eesponsive throh, and thus assuage their pain. But cease the theme. Far other thoughts intrude, And one I scarce dare mention — want of food ! Base vulgar need ! and yet, I fear me, all At this Review have long felt hunger's call. Do what they will, for love or glory strive, Brave knights and ladies fair must eat to live ! Though Beauty's charms now fire each manly eye, Yet more, me thinks, they'd fire at pigeon pie, Cold beef and chicken ; whilst in iced champaigne A brighter sparkle might he found to reign, And ancient dames, and prattlers fair and young Would find congenial fare in ham and tongue. Well, " good digestion wait on appetite, And health on both," and whosoe'er the wight, Be he or prince or hoor, with him all must go right ! 60 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. Such health, such appetite, I wish to all Of this departing throng, both great and small ! Each weary soldier, as he marches on ; Each ensign, thankful that the day is done ; I', i. h wealthy pair, swift driving through the dust, Each beggar, dooni'd to banquet on a crust, To each and all farewell ! And now my Muse, Thyself most need repose, and I'll excuse More formal ending ! Cover then thy lyre With oilskin case, to shield it from the mire, And to sweet rest awhile, obedient Muse, retire ! CANTO IV. I love to watch the starry night, From lawn or leafy Lower ; I love the trembling moonbeams' light On lake, and tree, and tuw'r ; Ami when the ail is calm and still, And all is hush'd upon the hill, And in the whisp'ring grove, the trees, Stirr'd now and then by view less breeze, Let in, each quivering bough between, Soft light upon the pathway green — And silent is the song of birds, And mute the noisy mill, And all the strife of human words — That war of life — is still — G2 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. And childhood, with its trusting eyes In sleep as pure and trusting, lies, Dreaming, perchance, a HeaVn as fair As that which smiles upon him there — And e'en the dark unfathom'd deep, Lull'd by the moonbeams, seems to sleep, Or on the pebbly beach to stray, Disporting, as it sinks away, Or with calm tide serenely laA r es, Sighing, its own wild fortress caves, ('Gainst which it loves to pour Its dread artillery of waves, That with appalhng roar Resounds from shore to shore, Waging more furious war Than that which fills our hero-graves — ) And one broad track of shVry sheen Upon the ocean's breast is seen, Whose radiant path some little bark Crosses — then back into the dark THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 63 Swift glides, and leaves no mark — And in the azure vault, afar, Shines out each pale, mysterious star, Where eyes, perchance, of seraph powers May gaze upon this globe of ours — And the fair moon, from where she sits Enthroned among the skies, emits That tender, chasten' d light, Which, ever since the world was young, Mankind has lovVl and poets sung, And which has fir'd full many a tongue To telL with magic might, That tale — all other tales among, That's heard with most delight — Ah ! when the scene is fair as this, When hut to gaze around is bliss, So calm is all — so bright — When earth, and sea, and skies combine To make the moonlit hours divine, Then — beautiful is night 1 64 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. And not alone in sylvan glades, And in the forest's lone arcade, Is she serenely fair ; Hi r moonbeams shine as brightly down < >n each dark alley of the town, Each nook and corner there, And hut and high cathedral crown With an effulgence all their own, Whose radiance everywhere Brings beauty whore it dwelleth not, Refines and mellows every spot — Till all that's cold and hare. Unsightly, sordid, and obscure, Among the dwellings of the poor, A charm appears to wear ; As though that light — so calni— so pure — Could sinless make each haunt — secure Each thievish thoroughfare, And on men's homes so brightly shine, That something hallowing and divine THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 65 Should leave a "blessing there ! — Yes — peerless is the night, where'er She reigneth, — yet I own I deem her loveliest in the town — And most of all when she looks down Upon our Barrack Scpiare, And with her moonbeams' sdvery sheen Mellows our courts ! All ! then, I ween, More tranquil spot was never seen, Nor many a place more fair ! For all is calm and silent then ; Hush'd is the busy hum of men ; Bright rolls the Liffey's tide, Reflecting in its wave each star ; "Whilst free from waggon and from car, From " pomp and circumstance of war," From pigs and bullocks, strife and jar, And all their wonted turmod, are Its roads on either side. 66 TIIE ROYAL BARRACKS. Not desert scene, nor mountain rude, Where human step scarce dare intrude, ( Jan breathe more perfect solitude, A rest more still and deep, Than this— when all that made the day Discordant, long 1ms passed away, And nature seems to slegp. Sleep— did 1 say ? Ah ! . . . lack-a-day ! Poor nature ! . . . Well may She slumber and sleep upon every quay ! For an Irish day Is not only play, And she's plenty to tire her— that I must say She's an easier life, More freedom from strife, Within the low walls of our barracks grey- Where no loud word "Would the General stand, THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 67 Nor is any such heard, But the word of command, And Order's the order of every day, Which even the dogs never dare disobey ! And as proof, by the way, Of the tact tliey display, (Tact always was one of their characteristics !) I'll mention a fact, By all evidence back'd, Affording a curious point for statistics ; They never go larking, Not even the dark in, Nor venture on barking, Till free from the grey Barrack-walls — when they raise A series of barks that resound o'er the quays, And make all the well-dispos'd folks turn and gaze "With alarm and amaze, As they mark their wild ways, So warlike in even their mildest affrays ! 5* 68 TIIE ROYAL BARRACKS. But sounds so rude Never dare intrude By night or by day, In our Barracks grey ; And each dog there Takes very good care, Whilst merry and gay,^ To restrict his play, The rules to obey, And, be it in August, December, or May, Never to be in the General's way ! But none need suppose That our Barracks gTey Are a scene of repose All the livelong day ! PLarly and late, In at each gate Dash mounted orderlies, riding in state ! THE ROYAL BARRACKS. On they come — on they come !— Up to the Gen'ral's home, With their despatches, that never can wait — Ah ! what a store of them ! Still more and more of them ! Only towards night do their numbers abate ! And those night watches, Free from despatches ! Swiftly— too swiftly they vanish away— And with the morning come Up to the General's home More mounted orderlies — more every day ! On they dash— scattering Wide the dust— clattering Loud their accoutrements, brilliant and gay ! Well do their chargers know How swift they'll have to go, And to the Gen'ral's home which is the way On through the Royal Square, Up to the corner there, 69 70 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. Where, Birag and cozy, two orderlies stay, Whose task to catch is All those despatches With the leasl possible pause or delay- Wei] for them— well for them That there's a hell for them ! I1..W they would flu without, no one can say? And bright that hell is seen — Burnish' d so bright, I ween, l',\ ceaseless friction, the whole livelong day ' No, not in slothfulness, Still Less in idleness, Do th.- days pass in these Barracks of ours ! Peep out behind Window or hlind, Early 01 late, and I'll venture to state You'll see men improving the shining hours, And their own practical knowledge of drilL THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 71 With Serjeants possess'd of unlimited powers To turn them and twist them about at their will, Who do so with really astonishing skill, And follow, and chide, and command them still, Till louts become fashion' d, as though in a mill, Like soldiers to look— and their duties fulfil. Nor e'en in the prison doth idleness reign ! To lessen the pain Of captivity's chain, Its inmates still labor with might and with main ; They cipher and write, All silent and still, And a wonderful sight Is their heavy shot drill ! No hurry — no bustle — No word of complaining — Though every muscle Is striving and straining ; 72 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. Straining like cords, as they work with a will, And the force of a strong man's might ! What pity that labors like these should continue (Ah ! i/you should try such, they'd very soon thin you !) To he of no use, And no fruit to produce, But to open each chest and to strengthen each sinew ! » 1 hen gaze at the schools where the soldiers are taught — Some too, who the battles of England have fought — Though rugged and stern, They'll thankfully Lam, //'with instruction kind feeling is fraught ! Studious their air ; Idleness there Never is found All the year round, Order and industry ever abound ! Then the infant schools — oh ! an exquisite sight Are those innocent faces — so ruddy and bright ! THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 73 Hark to the ringing Of young voices singing ! See them march out — that infantine throng ! Moving in time To their half-lisp'd rhyme — Moving in time to their own rude song ! Till all disappear 'Neath the archways near, Leaving their schoolroom deserted and drear ! Then merrily, merrily, oft the bands play ! And pleasant the sound As it echoes around, And fills all the courts of our Barracks grey — Or floats down below Where the dark waters flow, And reaches that strong human tide on the Quay ; Till every ear Is upturn' d to hear, And every heart for the moment feels gay — 71 THE ROYAL BARRACKS And pleasant the sound of the wild " Retreat" On the terrace, at evening hour — And I know many things that are much leas <\veet Than the gay tattoo, When you've nothing to do, And yon sit in the window because of the heal And vim hear the low tread of the soldier's feet, Passing so swiftly through — And the drummer-boys sing, A- they stand in a ring — (Ah me ! what thoughts do those melodies bring !) A low wild strain, Plea-ant to hear, That shall come again On your listening ear, Many a time when you dwell not here ! How I love to sit hy the window at night And list to those strains, as they fall, THE ROYAL BARRACKS. <0 Till the hour is past, And they cease at last, And the plaintive note Is beginning to float Of the bugles, that end them all. Sad and shrill, With a warning Bound, Those bugles still Bleep ringing around, Far through the gloom of the gath'ring night ; "Whilst, soft and fleet, Conic hurrying feet. Over the smooth unyielding ground, And forms flit by, And silently Vanish away from the straining sight, Till all are gone ; The bugles have done — One long sad note has ended their call ; 76 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. And night steals down, And over the town I »rops the soft folds of her shadowy pall ; And round and about In our Barrack Square The gas-lights come out, With their glitter and glare, Dazzling, flickering everywhere — So far less fair Tli in those pure orbs are That up in the glorious skies are seen — Where each pale star I H the realms afar Shines in the court of night's radiant queen, Yet pales in the light of her brow serene. Yes ! I love to sit in the window at night That looks upon river and town, Whilst sleeping so calm in the moonbeam's light Is this bright little world of our own — THE ROTAL BARRACKS. 77 Nothing seems near Up above here ; Deep is the stillness as that of the dead — Deep all around ! Yet . . . there's one sound ! Hark ! 'tis the sentinel's tread ! Tramp — tramp — On the flagstones damp, S. ik'inn and slow those footsteps go ! Tramp — tramp — By the pale gas-lamp That flickering shines on the earth below ! To and fro, Solemn and slow, Still doth that sentinel come and go- Like a warrior ghost On some bleak outpost, That shall melt into air when the cock doth crow ! Tin: ROYAL BABAAI KB. Bui sofl ! . . . he stands — He folds his hands, Aii'l rests — of thai silenl march wary, no doubt — And now he would seem To be Lost in a dream ! < »li : what i> that sentinel dreaming about I ( 'an it be the delights ( H' those tranquil nights, When he hears ii"i, performs not> the sentinel's tread ; Hut, snug in his den, With sixteen other men, Sleeps soundly — though sweetly can never be said ! 1 '■ rhaps he goes ba< k, < in memory's track, T" Crimean 'lays when he Bhot and was shot at — And England, befriending Her heroes, was sending Them heaps of good things that cuuld never be got at ! TUT. ROYAL BARRACKS. Or he's heard of routine, Ami thinks it must mean Some General, crusty and grim, whose delight I ! to put wrong l".-ks Upon every box, And then Bet the nation to look for the right ' But ii" — for 1 tra Upon that rough lace A look in which fondness and gratitude blend ! Ali : that Bentdnel grim Must be thinking of him, The pride of our army— ih soldier's friend I Yes ! of liini whose aim Was to win that name, From the earliest time his career began ; Of him who lias shown, Ey each act of his own, The soul of a hero— the heart of a man ! 80 THE ROYAL BARRACKS. Frank — generous — free — No one more than he i i was blees'd with that nameless charm, Which a power imparts To subdue all hearts, To ovei [ivy, and malice disarm ! Ah ! long may he livi ■ And evermore strive still t<> make better each man than he found him ' Ami his rule shall he hhsscd — And he'll go to his rest With the Love ami the tears of a nation around him ! But soft ! Mi thinks upon my startled ear There comes the sound of hoofs, advancing near ! Yes — tis the captain of the day, who makes His rounds — to note each sep'rate sentry wakes. Small hardship this, on such a night, although llll ROT \I. BARRACKS. 81 i welcome far when angry tempests blow, And dark and Leaden 3kies betoken snow. Then each poor soldier, in hia narrow shed, Must patient stand, and, shelter" d overhead, Views not the friendly stars, but glaring gas, And counts tli" freezing moments as they pa Not so this soft spring night ! . . . But see! they come, His wish'd relief — to free, and send him borne ! Fair dreams to him ! ami since to resl be g Mi'thinks I'll do the .-aim-, and court repose, Whilst, in the moonbeams' light, >till on the river (lows ! £2 1 1 1 f: royal barracks. Enough — my Bong Lb ended Eath it power By stranger hearths to while away one hour i I know not ! — this I know, that it hath proVd To me a pleasant pastime, and I loVd The quiet solace of its simple then Lulling my soul with not unwelcome dreams. Like one who Long in sickness pin'd — whose lute, With (.holds half broken, lay neglected — mute — But who, to health short while restored, once more Flew to that faVrite lute so lov'd before, And from its broken strings wild murmurs drew, More soft than even their happiest moments knew — THE ROYAL BARRACKS. 83 So I, long silent, raise the accustom'd strain ; Weary and weak, when life is on its wane. Still wake the Muse — -till strike the lyre again ! All, beauteous Erin ! land of mists and showers ! Can it be thou thai rous'd my slumb'ring powers ! Call'd forth the voice that hath been mute bo Loi And shall for thee be breath'd my latest song? I cannot tell — but thoughts of hy-gone days, Of stirring scenes — and quaint Hibernian ways, Shall be recall'd, (when 1 perchance am gone To that tar country all must seek alone) l>y those who sojourn' d here with me, and knew Each scene I lov'd, and learnt to love them too. Farewell, then, gentle Muse ! Perhaps no more Shall I thine aid invoke, as heretofore 1 No more, perhaps, the op'ning flowers of spring, Her tuneful birds, shall lead my soul to sing ! 84 TUT. ROYAL BARRACKS. Slow cm my life descends the ev'ning grey, Soon shall its fading lighl be pass'd away ; And graver thoughts, and higher hopes arise, To point to fairer lands and brighter ski* And yet, it' 1 Bhould sick to wake again In these lasl days, one more poetic .-train — One fond farewell, thai in the twihghl dim shall sound like dying aote or vesper hymn, 1 know thou wilt uot fail mi — thou that Long Laghten'd my lot, and cloth'd my thoughts in \ rer didst thou my Bummons disobey ; still shalt thou guide mi — still inspire my lay, Till hesfrt forget to beat, and life be past away • This book is DUE on the last date stamped below 10?n-ll, '50(2555)470 LOS [ ' :>RNIA ELES UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACIL AA 000 386 390 9 PR 3^91 AIRS a,, " i i