FRIENDSHIP'S OFFERING.

THE CONFLICT.

BY MISS E. W. BARNES.

NAX

,

AY, do not doubt him—he is true to thee,

As steel of Coeur-de-lion to its aim,
When mighty Saladin, with conquering hosts,
Upheld the Paynim banner's dazzling fame.
Soldier and lover-loyal unto thee,
And to his country firm whate'er betide,
Doubt not he'll come, crowned with the victor's wreath-
That thou art still the youthful hero's pride.
Close to his heart he wears a silken tress,
Dear as his life-blood to his bosom now,
Which

once, in threads of braided gold, adorned
The spotless purity of that fair brow;
And thy dear memory is his panoply,
His shield, his breastplate in the fearful strife;
The talisman that slumbers on his heart,

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