Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.
George Walter Thornbury 182876The Jacobite on Tower Hill
H
Offering snuff to the chaplain the while,
A rose at his button-hole that afternoon—
’Twas the tenth of the month, and the month it was June.
With the mask and the axe, and a murmuring ran
Through the crowd, who, below, were all pushing to see
The gaoler kneel down, and receiving his fee.
And took snuff again with a cynical air.
“I ’m happy to give but a moment’s delight
To the flower of my country agog for a sight.”
Dusted room for his neck, gaily doffing his hat,
Kiss’d his hand to a lady, bent low to the crowd,
Then smiling, turn’d round to the headsman and bow’d.
And the cry reach’d the houses at foot of the hill,
“My friend, with the axe, à votre service,” he said;
And ran his white thumb ’long the edge of the blade.
Then kneeling, laid down his gay head on the block;
He kiss’d a white rose,—in a moment ’t was red
With the life of the bravest of any that bled.