■ ■ff. iUUt ,^^^■ •xs^^' y . yy . ^c.. /:) / '«ig°ly H,B.HaU& Row.'* I) CC Ayut Ua-p ^ lt^L^*,^ /i-a^/ Pt^ 7^ FORDS, HOWARD A HULBERT.N.Y. POEMS OF i'AUL HAMILTON HAYNE Complete 1£tiitton WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS D. LOTIIKOP AND COMPANY 32 FitANKi.iN Stukkt. counku of IIawlky CorYI'.K'.IIT, ISW, By I). LoriiKor ami Comi-anv, PRESS OF L. N. FREDERICKS. ;U Ha-Nvlov St., Boston. COLONEL JOHN G. JAMES, PRESIDENT OF Till-: STATE A01!KT"LTl'UAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS, IN WHICH mo HAS taken so unselfish an interest, ARE AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. BiO(jir\iMii(\\L sKF/rriT. Tr lind littlo to do with liyron's suocoss ns a poet tl»:it. ho wns born in llu' inirplo of tin' iMiu'lisli aristtuTMoy ; or with tho (|u:ilityot' Shol- li'\ V Li'i'uiiis that hr wns the son of a Sir Timothy, w ho prith'd liiiiisidf oil a di'siH'iit from a \ou\x lino oi llritish s(|nir(.'s; oi- tiiiit Ali;oriioii S\\ inlturno's fatlu-r w :is a li;ii'oiiot. And yi't. if oui- |>oi'ts hnvo jvoiitlo Mood ill their xi'ins, otiu'r things hoinu' 0(|ii:il, wt> iircfcr that- tlu'y should li:i\o it. (!ood hirth, as a s^i'iioral tliiiiL!,', aru'iios o-ood hroiMliiii:,', ri'linonu'iit, odiu'ation, li\i'd sin-ial position, and a w ido uiaru'in o'i j;'oin.'rous loisiiros; all of which liaxo miioli to do with tho oiiti-omo c>f a poot's lifo. \N'o do not lu'lioM" that 'ronnyson would i'\ cr have' writlon as ho has, if it had horn his fortiino to lal)or for his daily broad. M\on had till' li'onius all bot'U tliori', tho w idi' loisuros would h.avo bi'on w ant iuL!;, and ho wi>uld havi' prodiioinl his jhhmiis, not as (un'tlio, at his '' unhastini:; oa-^o," — .absolutoly froo fri>iii all oxi^HMioo, — but undor tho ]>rossuro of a ^oad, which would ha\i' dostroyinl all thoir boaiitiful spontanoity. It is thorot'ori' to tho ad\aiitauo of our |ioot, iVvi i. IIamii.i'on IIavne, 1 that ho had aiu'oslors. Il may sound somowhat iiuroi>ublioan i>orha])s, to iioar him wish, as lie doos in imio of his koiai soimots, that thi>so same ancestors li.ad been coiitout to st.iy in their fourdiiindrcd-year-old Sliro|>shiro Manor-lbMiso, onjovinu' tho |>ositi\c j^ood Mnu'laiid gave tluMU, rather than ii'o sailiiiL!; over se.as in (juest o'i what niiuht bo of i|iiostional>K' biaielit ; but we can forgive him, in view of his ;inti>codouts on this side the water, o\' which he may bo i>roud as well. His KiigTisli |irouenitoi-s set t led, early in ct>lonial days, in tliarlestiin. South Car- olina, and from tlu' lirst were of iiujiortanoo in tlio civil affairs of the young Slate. They furnished nolile pat riots, who shed thoir blood in lu\ oliitionary days, for the liberties o( their advtpled cmiutry. Tho BIOGIIAI'IIICAL SKETCH. name of the renowned statesman and orator, llobert G. Ilavne, who was \.\\v ])0('t's Illicit', lias l)ec'ome the ])()ss('ssi()ii of the country. While in the Senate of the llnited States, he was not afraitl to match his strength with Webster's, and he was governor of Sonth (^arolina when to be governor of the ralmetto State was an honor worth the winning. The subject of this sketch is the only child of Lieutenant Hayne, a naval officer, wlio died at sea when liis son was an infant ; his mother, recently deceased, Avas a Sonth Carolina lady, of good English and Scotch descent, lie was born in Charleston, Jannary 1st, 1880, and educated at Charleston College, from which he was graduated. Inher- iting the ju'estige of a noble name, high position, and a sufficient amount of wealth, the world was before the youth, and he was free to choose his jiath. From earliest boyhood his fondness for literature, particularly poetry, was ])ronounced, and there was everything around (Jiim to foster this \o\v. T\w Charleston of thirty-live years ago was a very different i)lace from the Charleston of to-day. The old Huguenot element, with its aristocratic names and associations, was strong, and the large admixture of good English blood helped to make its ])eople just a little exclusive. Boston herself did not gather the mantle of her self-importance in a more queenly manner about her tlian did this city by the sea. There was a decided literary element, too, among its higher classes. Legare's wit and scholarship brightened its social circle; Calhoun's deep shadow loomed over it from his plantation at Fort Hill ; Gihnore Simms's genial culture broadened its sym])athies. Tlu- latter was the iMaca-nns to a band of l)rilliant youths who used to meet for literary sup])ers at his beautiful home; and here it was that the love for old Elizabethan lore, and the stiuly of the classics of the English tongue, which has always characterized Mr. Hayne, found one of its best stimulants. No sooner had he graduated than he threw himself actively into literary life. He became connected Avith the journalisin of the city, and when the enthusiastic group of young scholars established a Lit- erary Monthly Magazine {liiisseWs) Mr. ILiyne was appointed its editor. His first volume of Poems was jiublished by the old house of Tick- nor & Co., Boston, in 1855, Avhen he was some twenty-live years old, his second in 1857, and his third in 18G0. These all met with such success as encouraged him to adoi)t fully a literary life as his vocation. BIOaiiAPIlKJAL SKETCH. vii 1 In the meantiine lie hud married Miss Mary Middletou Mioliel, of Charleston, the daughter of an eminent Freneli i)]iysician, who reeeived :i uold medal from Napoleon the Third, for services under the iirst Xaiioleon at the battle of Leijjsic. Of the poet's wife it is but the seantest justice to say tliat she has been the insi>iratioii, the stay, the joy of his life. No poet ever was more blessed in a wife, and she it is, who, by her self-reiumciation, her exquisite sympathy, her positive, material help, her bright hojjefulness, has made endural)le the losses •Mv\ trials that have crowded Mr. Ilayne's life. Those who know how to read between the lines can see everywhere the influence of this irradiating and sthnulating presence. Then came the disasters of the civil war. Mr. Ilayne, whoso health, delicate from his childhood, would not allow him to take field service, became an aid on Governor Pickens's staff. During the bom- bardment of his native city, his beautiful home was burned to the ground, and his large, handsome library utterly lost. Even the few valuables, such as the old family silver, which he succeeded in securing and removing to a bank in Colunil>ia for safe-keeping, were swe})t away in the famous "nuirch to the sea;" and there was nothing left for the liomeless and ruined man but exile among the " Pine Barrens " of (Georgia. There he established himself, in utter seclusion, in a veritablej cottage (or rather shanty., dignified at first as "Ilayne's Roost"), behind whose screens of vines, among the peaches, melons, and straw- berries of his own raising, he has fought the fight of life with uncom- j)laining bravery, and jiersisted in being lia])])v. Here, then, at "Cojise Hill," nested amid his greenery and his pines, our ])oet has li\ed for fifteen years, — content with little of this woi'ld's gear, hapi)y in his chosen work, writing as his frail health Avould jx'rmit, and in nuuily inde])endence. In 1872, the Lii)pincotts published his ! Legends and Lyrics., and in 187o his edition of his friend Henry Tim- rod's Poems a|)peared, accomi)anied by one of the most pathetic bio- graphical memorials of which literature gives an example. In 1875, lite Mountain of the Lovers was published. A Life of Gilmore Simms (still in jNIS.) was also written, with ^Memorial Sketches of Governor Hayne and Mr. Legare, — so that these years of seclusion have been well filled uj) Avith literary labor ; and during the past five years the nanu>s of not many writers have ap])eared nu)re frequently, perha]is, in the j)ages of our current literature, tlian tliat of the recluse of "Copse Hill." Here he has interpreted Nature, we think, with as clear an UlULiUAl'UlCAL SKETCH. insight ns the poet of Ryclal Mount. He lias made the niehincholy moanino's of liis Georgia pines sob tlii'dugh liis verses. He has oiveii voices to the Midnight Thunder ; to the Windless llain ; to tlie J/;/.s'- cadines of the Soutliern Forests; to tlieir Woodland l^hases ; to tlie Aspects of the Pines, as lias not been heretofore done. It were superfluous to vwXvv njtou any criticism of his jtoenis, nor is this the place for it. They are left with the reader, who, if he cauiiot, of himself, find therein the aromatic freshness of the woods, ^ — the swaying incense of the cathedral-like aisles of pines, — the sough of dying summer winds, — the glint of lonely pools, and the brooding- notes of leaf-hidden mocking-birds, — would not be able to discern them, however carefully the critic might })oint them out. M AUG A HE T J. PkESTON. C N T E N T S. YOUTHFUL POEMS. Til.' Will jUHlthc Wing '• The I.;iu,u'liiuife and Death Shelley Poets of the Olden Time . '■ Xow while the Kear (iuard " Pent in this Common Sphere" " Between the Sunken Sun and Xew Moon "... Ancient :\Iyths .... O God ! What Glorious Seasons Bles; World ! . . . the 'Ihv "Along the Path Thy Bleeding Feet" . 28 " Too oft the Poet in Elaborate Verse " . 28 ^Mountain Sonnets 29 Composed in Autumn 29 (ireat Poets and Small . . . .30 iVIy Stuily 30 'I'o W. II. II 31 Lines 31 '■ An Idle Poet Dreaming" . ... 32 D 1 1 .V 31 AT I ( ' S KETC 1 1 ES. Antonio Melidori . Allan Herbert From The Conspirator, an U Tragedy Experience in Poverty The True Philosophy . Love's Caprices Creeds .... The Universalitv of Grief npublished The Penitent . Dramatic Fragment lieward of Fickleness A Character . ISIorals of Desperation The Condemned . Antipathies . Misconstruction . COXTENTS. POEMS OF THE WAK. • My Mother-laud . Ode .... Charleston Stuart - Beyond the Potomac Beauregard's Appeal The Substitute Battle of Charleston Harbor i>5 Charleston at the close of 1S63 G7 Scene in a Country Hospital 71 Vicksburg — a Ballad . W-i-The Little \Thite Cilove 73 , Stonewall Jackson 74 -|' Sonnets .... 75 M Oiu- Martyrs . 77 V Forgotten LEGENDS AXD LYEICS. Daphles — an Argive Story . S9 Aethra . 100 Renewed . 100 Krishna and his Three Handmaidens . 102 Under the Pine iTo the Memory of Henr y Timrod) . 103 A Pream of the South Winds . . 105 In the Mist . 105 A Svunmer Mood . 106 Miibiight 106 The Bonny Brown Hand . 106 Sonnets : The Cott.ige on the Hill . 107 November 107 Sylvan Musings — in Mav lOS Poets IdS Sonnet 108 The Phantom Bells .... 109 The Life Forest 110 Cloud Fantasies 110 Soiuiets 110 Fire Pictures 111 An Anniversary 111 From the Wooils lU Dolce far Xiente 11.-. lU! By the Autumn Sea .... lis lis TheKiver 137 The Story of Glaueus the Thessalian l:5S The Nest 142 Not Dead 142 Sonnet 143 Marguerite 143 Apart 144 The Lotos and the Lilv 144 ■Windless Rain 146 " In t'troque Fidelis " . 146 Nature Betrothed and Wedded . 147 Chloris 147 Fortunio 148 A Feudal Pictme ..... LW The Warniug 152 Drifting 152 Sonnets 153 Ode to Sleep 154 Song 156 Hopes and Memories 156 Widderin's Race 156 October 162 Will 163 Here and There 163 Welcome to Winter . . . . . 164 To My Mother 164 Soiniets liv'. 166 ' The Mountain of the Lovers . . .166 The Vengeance of the Goddess Diana . . 17S The Solitary Lake 1S7 The Voice in the Pines • . . . 188 - Visit of the Wrens 188 Morning 190 Golden Dell 191 Aspect of the Pines 191 Midsummer in the South .... 192^ • Cloud Picttrres 193 Sonnet 194 In the Pine Barrens — Smiset . . . 194 .Sonnet 195 The AVoodland Phases 195 After the Tornado 195 In the Bower 196 AMience? 196 Sonnet 197 Violets 198 By the Grave of Henry Timrod . . 198 Sonnets 200 Ariel 200 The Cloud Star 201 Sweet heart. Good bye ! . . . . 201 Sonnet . . 202 Frida and her Poet 202 Preexistence 201 Sonnet 205 A Thousand Years from Now . . . 205 Sonnet 206 Thunder at :\Iidnight 206 COXTENTS. On the Death of Canon Kingsley When all has heen said andilone The Vision in the Valley The Arctic Visitation . The Wind uf Onset 207 208 208 2(lil 210 The Visit of Mahnioud Ben Siileini to Parailise My Daufihler Our "Humuiiiit'-bird" . . , , XI 210 215 215 LATER POEMS. Unvoilod Muscadines . In a Spring Harden In Degree The Skeleton Witness . Storm Fragments . Above the Storm . Underground *— The Dryad of the Pine AVelconie to Frost The Tine's Mystery To a Bee .... The lirst Mocking Bird in Sprin The Red and the White Kose Before the Mirror Two Kpoehs . AVind from the Fast Peach P.Ki()ms The Awakening Love's Autunui The Spirea Coquette Skating .... The World within us . Forest Quiet . The :\Iocking Bird, A Storm in the Distance The Vision by the Sea . The \'isionary Face The Kose and the 'J'horn The Ked Lily . Lake Winiiipiseogee Lake Mists The Inevitable Calm . The Dead Look . Jetsam .... Fameless (J raves . Winter Kose . Tristram of the Wood . Hints of Spring The Hawk . Over the Waters . The True Heaven . The Breezes of June . A Mountain Fancy Absence and Love The Fallen Pine-Cone . Stern Truths Transfigured Distance .... Horizons .... In the Gray of the Evening 219 224 l'2!l 22!) 229 230 231 236 236 237 237 238 23! t 230 210 2411 241 2U 242 242 21:.' 214 21,-) 21.-) 21(; 247 248 249 249 249 2S0 The Vision at Twilight An Hour Too Late " Too Low and yet too High ! " . The Lordship of Corfu Tallulah Falls .... The JNIeadow Brook The Valley of Auostan T\TO Songs Sonnets: I. Fresluiess of Poetic Pe tion ... II. Laocoon ... HI. At last IV. A Phantom in the Cloud V. Japouicas VI. The Usurper VIl. December Sonnet VIIl. A Comparison . IX. Fate, or God ? . X. Sonnet XL Earth Odors — after Kain XII. Sonnet XIII. Poverty XIV. Waste. XV. A Morning after Storm XVI. Dead Loves XVI I. Nature at Ease . XVIII. TheCnydian Oracle XIX. The Hyacinth . XX. The Wood Far Inland XXI. Sonnet XXII. Magnolia Gardens . XXIII. England XXn'. Disappointment XXV. The Last of the Koses XX^■I. The Axe and the Pine XXVII. Betrothal Night XXVIII. " The Old Man of tlie St XXIX. Two Pictures . XXX. The .Alight have been XXXI. Night Winds in Winter XXXII. To the Querulous Poets XXXIII. In the Porch XXXIV. The Phantom Song . XXXV, Small Griefs and Great XXXVI. The Shallow Heart ! . XXXVII. The Stormy Night . Personal Sonnets : I. To Henry W. Longfellow II. To George H. Boker . 250 251 251 251 253 258 258 258 258 259 259 25!) 260 '' 260 260 261 261 261 262 262 262 262 263 263 263 264 264 264 265 265 265 265 266 266 266 267 267 267 268 268 268 VOM'ENTS. Personal Sonnets : In Memoi iam : 111. To Algernon Charles Swiu- 111. Dean Stanley 313 bunio •J60 IV. Hiram 11. Benner 31-1 IX. To Kilgar Fawcett . i;i>;i V. W. Gihnore Simms . 315 V. Carlyle •2{>'.t VI. Dickens .... 320 VI. To Jean Ingelow liTO VII. To Bayard Taylor beyond us 320 • VII. To.M. I.F :;T(i Vlll. Bayard Taylor (upon death) 321 Macdonald's Kaid i;7i IX. Bichard II. Dana, Sen. . Bryant l^ead ! . . . The Pole of Death . The Death of Hood . 321 The Battle of King's Mountain The Hanging of Black Cudjo . Charleston Ketaken i;74 'J 7 s -'8t> X. XI. XII. 322 322 322 To ihe Anthor of "the Victorian Poets " . 2!S3 Meditative and lleligious : Ilv^ra lis." I. Christ on Earth . 323 Below and Above L'Si 11. Harvest Home . 324 The Woodland Grave 2S4 III. Reconciliation . 325 A Character 2S4 IV. A Vernal Hymn 325 Lyric of Action LIS.') V. Christian Exaltation 32G By a Grave L'S.") VI. Solitude ; in Youth and Age 32G Severance L'SCi VII. Denial 320 Two (J raves ■JST Vlll. Lesson of Submission 327 The World ■-'ST IX. The Supreme Hour . 327 The May Sky l'6i8 X. A Christmas Lyric 327 A Lyrical Picture L'SS XL The Pilgrim 328 Lamia L'nveiled liS!) XII. Penucl 328 liachel i;8;i Xlll. Patience .... 328 The Snow Messengers L".UI XIV. The Latter Peace 329 To Alexander II. Stephens . . . • 2M.! XV. Gautama .... 329 The Enchanted Mirror .... L'!l."> XVI. Christ 330 The Imprisoned .Sea-AVinds l."J-l XVII. A Winter Hynni 330 Blanche and Nell •J!»4 XVIIl. The Three Urns 330 The Dark 2;t."i XIX. On the Decline of Faith . 331 In the Studio lmk; XX. The Ultiuuite Trust . 332 A\'ashington L'!H> XXI. A Little While I Fain A\ouU I Ii: Ambush j;)7 Linger Yet 332 South Carolina to the States of the North '.'!)- XXII. Twilight JMonologue . 333 The Stricken South to the North U'liO XXIII. The Shadow of Death . 334 Tlie Keturn of Peace oOO XXIV. Finis 334 Yorktown Centennial Lyric .■!04 XXV. The Shadows on the AVall 335 On the Persecution of the Jews in Russia no,-> XXVI. Consummatum Est . 336 Assassination 30l> XXVIl. The Broken Chords . 337 England 307 XXVIII. The Rift Within the Lute 337 To Longfellow 308 XXIX. In Harbor . . . • 337 '■ Philip my King" . . . • . 308 XXX. Forecastings 338 A Plea for the Gray 300 XXXL Appeal to Nature of the Soli Union of Blue and Gray .... 310 tary Heart 338 The King of the PloAV 311 Poems foi Special Occasions : In Memoriam : I. To the Poet Whittier 339 I. Longfellow Dead 312 II. To O. AV. Holmes 339 II. On the Dcat h of Presitlent (iar- III. To Emerson . 340 lield 312 IV. To lion. R. G. H. 340 iiit:moik)Us poems. A'alerie's (\^nfession 313 A Meeting of the Birds . . . . .■!44 A Bachelor Bookworm's Complaint . . 346 Coquette and Her Lover .... 348 Senex to his Friend The Observant " Eldest" Speak; Lucifer's Deputy . . . . 351 351 362 CONTENTS. rOKMS Foil cniLDKEN. Little Xellie in the Prison . :'..^)7 The CliiUlreu :;,-)!) Will iiml I ■.m Jamie ;uiil liis Motlur .... .■500 Tlie Tliree Copeclis .... :ini The Reason Why .•JGl The Sillten Slioe 3i;2 Tlie lJla<;Ic Destrier .... :i(U Tlie Adventures of Little I'.ob Bonnyi ace :Mir> Kiss me, Katie ! ;j(;« Caged ."56!) Little Lottie's Grievance ;!(;9 Anew Version of Why the Uobin's Breast is Red :;70 The Little Saint .•;70 A new Philosophy, or, Star Showers ex- plained oTl Baby's First Word The Chameleon Flying Furze . The New Sister Hop, Skip, and Jump, sonified Dancing . Motes The Ground S(iuirrel Artie's Amen Three Portraits of Boy Birds .... The Dead Child and the M The Little Grand Duches Koly Poly The Imprisoned Innocents a Queer Trio per- ig-bird 381 LI^T OF II.LLT.STRATrONS. PAOE PoKTH.viT OF Pai'l HAMILTON IIayne Froidispiece Home ok Paul II. Hayne xvii Come ! Come ! and Seek us Here 5 We Reached an Isle 8 (iLADLY I Hail these Solitudes 11 Between the Sunken Sun and the New Moon 27 Tins IS MV Would . 30 Paul H. Hayne's Birthplace 40 The Canvas Speaks 46 Come, Sweetheart, Hear Me 53 Almighty Nature the First Law of (ioD 59 They Arose with the Sun 73 The Flowers that Wreathe my Humble Hearth 76 And by their Favorite Stream SSI Lb\gues of Golden Fields and Streams 96 yjicES Low and Sweet 101 'he Moon, a Ghost of Her Sweet Self 106 ^Upveiled in Yonder Dim Ethereal Sea 109 Countless Coruscations Glimmer 112 There Cometh a Dream of the Past to Me 118 Those Bristling Kocks 125 IIi: Turned to Wave "Farewell" 132 On the Fateful Streamlet Polled 138 View us White-IIoijed Lilies 115 King of a Realm of Fius and icy Floes 149 Our Hopes in Youth 156 No, No! Stanch Widderin 161 Every Deepest Copse 168 The Kingdom's Pkinceliest Youth 174 A MoNSTEK meet FOR Tartarus , . 183 The Woven Light and Su^ujows 190 \\ I LL^T OF ILJASTL'ArJuy.^. UvtAVr AND HkAU MK W'IIKRU TIIK Wri.D Fl.OWKKS (illOW \\ 111! i: Sauntkiunc; '['iiuoii;!! riii: ('i;o\\i>i;i) Sriu'.i'. On VllSl'KUMlillT Ol.I) WlNI'EK L'AMIO . llAvio I Nor l\>i.i,()\vi;i> SoiiKK Si:i'I'i;mui:k (> M Asii:i!ii I. \\ iNi> ANi> ('uri;i All! M\NV A(i\ii.\\r l,o\iii llii; W I'.ii, . Willi, i: (iiiiMi .^ l>s.- "PWAS A MOKN (\>l,l> \M) (JkAV .... Til AT Man mi .r |)ii: 'rilKKK llrNMUICn Nolil.K \ I'.SSKLS Wk Ti'UN, My Low: ani> I To TasS ONCK MOKIC o'lCK llAMrsiUUK's iMoi'Nl'AlN Viu Walk My StidioV Modest 1{ou>!d . \\ m;-\\ \srri> Lands (>i.i> l'\>sioNs M \Y i;i; riKc;i:D i>i" r>i.o(.>D I'vii: MiMouY Ni'.AK Is (>'i:K All. Illi: I'liAllHAN I' l.ANl>, I'llls 1 1 \ KV i:s I' 1 > \ Y O W r via Winds! My 'riiori;iirs aki: Wandkkinii .... Foi; Fi i,L FiVK JSki'o.nds Ni'i.i.iK CLAsruD uis Neck .My iSuoK, Fata . . .... Katik, Fkkti'y Katik, Kiss Mio .... 0am iNii ! I Fovi; I r 1\0L\ FoLYs Just AwjoiKNi-D .... Ii:i 197 •JO I •-M0 •221 222 233 23(3 213 2:)0 2,"),-) 2(i2 2()G 273 27(i 2Sl 2St 291 29(5 ;{()3 30!) 317 324 330 33r) 3-19 358 3R3 308 37"i 3S2 lU'ME ui' Tail Hamilton llAVMi, "C'»l't*i' Hill," Ciii. YOlTllFFIL POEMS. 1850-18G0. THE WILL AXh THE WlSC. 'IVj li;iv(; till! will to soar, bul, iioL the will'^S, i;y(!S fixed fon;vcr on a starry liei^lit, Whonoc stately shapes of grand iina;,'in- iii.t;s Flash down tlie si>l(!ndors of injijciiaj li-ht; And yet to laek the charm that makes tlicni onrs, 'i'he obedient vassals of that eon<|ii(!rin.t5 spell, Whose omnipresent and ethereal powers, llneirele Heaven, nor fear to enter Jlell; This is the doom fif 'I'antaliis — the thirst l'"or beauty's Vjalmy IVinnt to (pieneli the fires (Jf tlie wild passion that our souls have nurst 111 hopeless x'rornptlngs — unfuHilled de- si nis. ^'et would 1 rather In the outward stat*; Of Song's immortal temple lay me down, A beggar Ijasking by that radiant gate 'i'han bend beneath the liaughtiest em- Ijiie's crown! For sometimes, through tlie bars, my ravished eyes Ifave caught brief glimpses of a life divine, And seen a far, mysterious rapture rise Beyond tlie veil that guards the inmost shrine. " '/'//a; lac a II I no nouns iseeoue II Ell feet:' Thk launliiiig Hours before her feet, Are scattering spring-time roses, i\iid the voices in her soul are sweet As music's mellowed closes; All hopes and passions, heavenly born. In h(;r, have met together, And .Joy diffuses round her morn A mist (jf gold(!ii weather. As o'er lii'i' cheek of delicate dyes, 'J'iie blooms of childhood hover. So do the tranced and sinless eyes, All childhood's heart discover; Full of a dreamy ]iappin(!ss, Willi rainbow fancies laden, \\'hos(! arch of ])roniise grows to bless Her spirit's Ijeauteous Adenne. She is a being born to raise Those undefiled emotions. That whisper of our sunniest days, And most sincere dc^votions; In her, we see renewed and bright, That phase of earthly stf)ry. Which glimmers in the morning light, fjf (iod's exceeding glory. Why, in a life of mortal cares. Appear th pray 'riiat on hcv life's swoet rivor, 'Tho calmiu'ss of a virgin day May rost, ami lost fort'vi'r; 1 know a sinaniiaii (.ionius st anils Uosiilo Ihoso wators lowly. And labors with (•th('r(>al hands To kci'p tlu'iii luiri' and holy. AT/-; ()/•• Tin: /unn.iL. YksI it lias oonio; tlu- straiim\ o'ornias- toring honr. WluMi buoyant liopos, and ton11 to ehann awny thy eare. As 1 could eharni, were I but near thee now To I'hido coy tiiekerings of that half ile- spair Of virginal shame upon thy downeast brow ; A liiful gloom "mid blushes of bright joy. Like those transparent clouds in snnnuer days. That east their transient shadows of alloy Across the noontide's else too dazzling blaze; Yet. from tho fair hills of this foreign shore. I waft thee benedictions on the wind, Hopes that a peaceful bliss forevermore A room where sunset's glory deep, though dim, Clirds thy rich chamber with luxurious grace, Koiinils the fair outline of each delicate iindi. And crowns with chastened ray thine elo- t|ueiu face. In shimnuM-iug folds thy raiments soft and rare, .Swell with the passionate heavings of thy breast. O'er whose young loveliness, the en- tranced air. Languidly breathing, seeks voluptuous rest. Thy hand — (in two l)rief hotu's no longer thine) — (ilcanis near a gossamer curtain, stirred with sighs. And the full, star-like tears begin to shine In the blue heaven of thy bewildering eyes. Tears for the girlhood, almost past away. Its innoceiu life, its wealth of tender lore. Tears for the womanhood, whose opening day. May not reveal the untried scene before. Not bitter tears I for him thou lov'st is true. And all thy being quivei-s into tlame. A swift delicious tlame that thrills thee through. :May rule the gracious empire of thy mind. WUene'er thy memory lingei-s on his name. Aiul blessing thus, the dreary distance dies. Ev'n now 1 see thee turn thy timid head. And in a clearer than Agrippa's glass. Luxuriant-locked, towards a dim retreat. The enamoreil fancy. — what pale vis- '' Whore twilight shadows veil thy bridal ions rise. bod. Brightening to shape and beauty ere they And golden gloom and louder silouce pass? meet. MY FATHER — SONG. 3 MY FATHEIl. My father! in the vague, mysterious past, My boyish thoughts have wandered o"er and o'er, To thy lone grave upon a distant shore, 'I'lii- wanderer of the waters, still at last. Never in <-liil.llioo(l have I blithely sprung To catch my father's voice, or climb his knee; lb- was a constant pilgrim of the sea. And died upon it when his boy was young. Fie perished not in conflict nor in flame, Xo laurel garland rests upon his tomb; Yet in stern duty's path he met liis doom ; A life heroic, though unwed to fame! P'irst in vague depths of fancy, scarce- I defined, i Love limned his wavering likeness on my soul. Till through slow growths it waxed a perfect whole. Of clear conceptions, briglitening heart and mind. Jlis careless bearing and Ids manly face, His cordial eye; liis firm-knit, stalwart form, Fitted to breast th<; fight, the wreck, the storm; The sailor's frankness and the soldier's grace. In dreams, in dreams we've mingled, and a swell Of feeling mightier for the eyes' eclipse. The music of a blest Apocalypse, Thrilled through my spirit with its mys- tic spell : Ah, then! ofttimes a sadder scene will rise, A gallant vessel througii the mist- bound day, Lifting her spectral spars above the bay, Gloomily swayed against gray glimmer- ing skies. O'er the di)n billows tluuidering. peals a boom Of the deep gun that l)urstcth as a knell, AVhi'ii the brave tender to tin- l)rave farewell — And strong arjii.s Iteai- a coimade to the tomb. The opened sod: a sorrowing band be- side — One rattling roll of masketry, and tlwn, A man no more among his fellow-men. Darkness his chamber, and the earth his bride, My father sleeps in jx'ace; perehance more blest Than some he left to mourn him, and to know The liitter blight of an enduring woe, Longing (how oft I) with him to l>e at rest. SOXG. Fly. swiftly fly Through yon fair sky, O puqde-pinioned Hours I And bring once more the balmy night, When from her lattice, silvery bright, Love's beacon-star — her taper — shines Between those dark manorial pines, Above the myrtle-bowers. Fly, breezes, fly. And waft my sigh With love's warm fondness fraught, 'Twill stir my lady's languid mood, AVhere, in ln-r verdurous solitude, YOUTHFUL POEMS. She sits and thinks, a ni(ionli<;lit grace Cast o'er her beauleous brow and face, Tuuelifd by a iMssiouate lhoui;litI (ilide, rivulet, glide Willi whispering tide. Through eoverls low and deep. To woo her with the airy call. The nnisie taint, the t'ar-olt' tail, Of fairy streams in fairy elinies. Or pleasant lapse of fairy rhymes, t^ofl as her breath in sleep. Fly. swiftly tly 'rhnnigh you ealin sky, (.) geutle-hearted dove! And pausing on her favorite tree, ISlunnnr your plaint so tenderly. That, Itorn of that sweet lone, a eharm Her very heart of hearts may warm With rosy bliss ot lo\e. l-"ly. swiftly tly Through yiui fair sky, O inirple-pinioned Hours! And bring onee more the balmy night. When from her lattiee, silvery briglit. Love's beaeon-star — her taper — shines Between those dark manorial pines Above the nivrlle-bowersl Ho! tVieh me the winccup! till \\\^ to the biim! For my heart has grown eold. and my vision is dim. And I fain would bring bai'k for a mo- ment the glow. The swift passion that age has long ehilled with its snow : llo! teteh me the Mineenp! the red liquor gleams. With a promise to waken youth's rapture of dreams. And I'll drain the bright draught for that ]n'omise divine. Though Death. Death the speetre, should hand me the w ine. "Tis not life that I live, for the blood- (au'rents glide Through my wan shrunken veins in so sluggish a tide. That my heart droops and withers; what! ///'( call yon this ? O! rather, consumed by one keen thrill of bliss. AVould i die with youth's glory revivified round me. The deep eyes that blessed, and the white anus that bt)uud me; O! rather than brood in this dusk of de- sire. ("Sink down, like you marvellous sunset, all lire. The soul clad w ith w iugs, and the brain steeiied in light : Then come. i»oli'ut wizard! I call on thy nuglit. Ih'calhe a magical mist o'er the I'avago of Time, luill back the sad years \o the Ihish of my prime. And I'll drain thy bi-ight draught for that \ isiou di\ine. Though Death. Death tlu' Siu'ctre. should hand me the wine! liY rilK (.'/MCA'. [Extraol fioiii an luitiiiishod iKirrative jioein.] Titis is the place — I in-ay thee, friend. Leave me alone with that dread grief, Whose raven wings o'erarch the grave. Closed on a life how sad and brief I Already the young vioKns bloom On the light sod that shnuids her form. And Summer's awful sunshine strikes Incongruous on the s])irit's storm. She died, and did not know that I, Whose heart is breaking in this gloom. Had shrined her love, as inlgrinis shrine A blossom from some saint Iv tomb. Suxa UF THE NAIADS— LETHE. And, ah! indeed, it wfl.s a tomb. The tomb of Hope, so gliastly-gray, Whence sprung tliat flowiM- of loxc that grew Serenely on the JIojx-'s decay. A i)allid flower that bloomed alone, With no warm light to keep it fair, IJut nurtured Ijy the tears that fell, P^eii from the clouds of our despair. She piTJslHM], and lirr palinil sdui I'assed to (jod's rest, nor did she know I kept the faith we could not plight In honor, or in peace below. But, Love! at last, all, all is clear. You see the llame of that tierce fate. Which blazed between my life, and yours. And left them both — how desolate! And well you coniiin-hend tliat now iMy heart is breaking where I stand, Ihit 'mid the ruin, shrines its faith, A relic from love's Holy Land. '-^oL'i'a^i ^v^i-/u their shadowy lips a waning smile Fitfidly glin\mers; round them rest the fonns Of savage beasts; the lion all uniu>rved. Drowsy and j^assioidess, his huge limbs relaxed. And curved to lines of languor: the tierce pard Tamed to a breathless quiet, whilst afar. Gloom the gaunt shapes of mighty brutes of eld. The world's primeval tenants; all things droop In slumber: even the sluggish river's flow Sounds like the dying surges of the sea To ears far inland, or the feeblest sigh Of winds that faint on lofty moutitaln- tops. This is the realm — '• Oblivion" — this the stream Which mortals have called — " Lethe!'' THE REALM OF HE ST. In the realm that Nature boundeth Are there balmy shores of peace. Where no passion-torrent soundeth, And no storm-wind seeks release '? Rest they 'mid the waters golden. Of some strange untravelled sea, AVhere low, halcyon airs have stolen. Lingering rouml them slumbrously ? Shores begirt with purple hazes, Mellowed by gray twilight's beams. Whose weird curtains shroud the mazes, Wandering through a realm of dreams ; Shores, where Silence wooes Devotion, Action faints, and echo dies. And each peact>-emranced emotion Feeds on quiet mysteries. If there be, O guardian Master, Genius of my life and fate. Bear me from the world's disaster. Through that kingdom's shadowy gate; Let me lie beneath its willows. On the fragrant, flowering strand. Lulled to rest by breezeless billows. Thrilled with airs of Elfln-land. Slund>er. flushed with faintest dreamings; Deep that knows no answering deep, Unprofaned by phantom-seemings, — Mockeries of Protean sleep: — Noiseless, timeless, half forgetting, May that sleep Elysian be. While serener tides are setting. Inward, from the roseate sea. llarki to mine a voice is calling. Sweet as tropic winds at night. Gently dying, faintly falling From some marvellous mystic height, THE ISLAND IN THE SOUTH. Trotiblod Tlioiijilifs unliallowcd riot l]y its waiKicriii"; iilaiiioitr liisscd, Ft'cls a cliarm of sacred quiot Folil it, like enchanted mist. "There's a realm, thy footsteps noaring," [Thus the voice to mine replies, | •• Where the heavy heart despairing, lireathes no more its life in sighs; "Tis a realm, imperial, stately, Kefuge of dethroned Years, <'alm as midnight, towering greatly, riii'ough a moonlit veil of tears. ■' 'I'hougli an empire, freedom reigneth, Kingly brow, and subject knee, Mach with what to each i)ertaineth. Slumbering in e(iuality; "i'is a sleep, divorced from dreamings, Deep that knows no answering deep, I'nprofaned by pliantom-seemings — Noiseless, wondrous, timeless sleep. '* On its shores are weeping willows, Action faints, and Echo dies, And the languid dirge of billows, Lulls with opiate symphonies; But beside that murnuirous ocean All who rest, repose in sooth. And no more the stilled emotion Stirs to joy, or wakens ruth. " Thou s/inlt gain these blest dominions, Thou .s/iiiU find this peaceful ground, Shaded by Oblivion's pinions, Startled by no mortal sound ; Noiseless, timeless, ali, forgetting, Shall thy sleep Elysian be, While eternal tides are setting Inward from that mystic sea." THE ISLAND IX THE SOUTH. The ship went down at noonday in a calm. When not a zephyr broke the crystal sea. We two escaped alone: we reached an isle Wliereon the water settled languidly In a long swell of music; luminous skies O'erarched the place, and lazy, broad lagoons Swept inland, with the iioughs of plan- tain trees Trailing cool shadows through the dense repos(!; All roiuxl ai)()ut us floated gentle airs, And odors that crept upward to the sense; Like delicate pressures of voluptuous thought. I, witli a long bound, leapt upon the shore Shouting, but she, pavilioned in dark locks. Sobbed out thanksgiving; 'twixt the woild and us. Distance that seemed Eternity outrolled Its terrible barriers; on the waste a Fate Stood up, and stretching its blank hands abroad Muttered of desolation. Did we weep. And groaning cast our foreheads in the dust ? So it lidd been, but in each other's eyes Smiled a new world, dearer than that which rose Beneath th(> lost stars of the faded West. That very morn the white-stoled priest of God Had blessed us with the church's choicest prayers, And tlies(; did gird us like a sapphire wall When the floods threatened, and the ghastly doom Moaned itself impotent; free wc were to l0V(! To the full scope of ]iassion : a few smis, And in the deep recesses of the woods We built ourselves a cabin; the dim spot Was fortressed by the tropic's giant growths. Luxuriant Titans of a hundred years; And the vines, laced and interlaced be- tween. Drooped with a flowery largess many- hued. YOirilFrL POEMS. It.Avasa place (if l''a('ry; songs ol' birds 'IMial uiiiniuiM-cd in and diil anujug the l.'a\,'s. l.ilst' uiauica! dreams tMiilnniii'd, wooed liie w inds 'I'oueullest uuition of lieniniiaiil wiuii's; And llie sun veiled his I'adiaiiee, and the slars I'l'ered lliroiiu;li I he sliadowy stiUness w illi a li-iu So spiritual. Ihe forest seenunl to wane In ti'i'nuilons lines wa\ed down the sil- \ efv aisles. Thefe li\ed. there Kned w i\ as none else have lived And lovt'd. 1 thiid;. sineo the pi'iineNal l.li-ht Kained down its disiHM'ds, and lU'ath eliiu'hod tl\o einse. !No shallow nioi'korios of a worn-cnit ago, KttVlo and helpless, l)onnd yoinig passion round With the eold fellors of detested forms: Civili/.ation was not thoie to set Its spooions seal of custom on oni' hearts. Prisoning tho holder virtues; we might (laro To ai't. speak, think, as th.^ trnt> natniv moved, rntulored and majestie; our souls grow To the stature of tho spirit, that looks down From the luipollnted vogn-anoy of hoavons That hoM no oursos; tho glad univorso Showered rare honodiotions on our path; Matter was niorgod in poesy: the winds From tho serene raeitie. tho qniok gales From nionnlainous ridges in tho ujiper- niost air, Tho eternal ehorns of far seas serene, Tho harmony of forests, the sni:>li voice That trembles from the happy rivulet's breast, Ipl'V' All tonohed ns with that sweet philoso- Whieh, if we woo the visible world aright. Blesses experience with new gates of sense Where through wo gain Elvsiiun. So the years AVoro winged and odorous with a thou-.. sand joys. Of which the ]ioor slave to tho hollow law We term society, hath had no dream; Oiu'lovo was comprehensive, full, divine, Koimding tlio perfeet orbit wherein life Should gravitate to (Jod, even as tho spheres Koll to the central tire; love mastered life As maelstroms snek still waters, love tlu> one Floctric ciu'riMit through aet, reason, will. Throbbing like inspiration : no vain - touch (^f weak, fantastic passion, no thin glow Of morbid longing. Ihutering feebly up ]'"ron\ shallow lirains. stirred to a dubimis llame. And tort mod with false throes of sonti- meiu — (That basiani whimperer to tho doily. Love — As a changeling to the Titans) — no red heat Of has(> desire, fusing tho delicate thought To I'haos: hut a steadfast, genial sun, A luminous glory, gentle as intense. Making our fate a heaven of warnuh, light, rest. Whose very clouds w ore halos. and whoso storms AVorc tempered into nuisie. Thus time stole (.">u nuitUed wings through the -till air of bliss. Gathering om* ripened hopes, and sowing seeds Of joy to come. My innocent hud had tloworoil To hoautv — ohi such heaiUv as those lips. Touched though they were with tiro, might not profane With sliacklos of mean ntterance. Oh, t;od: God! "Wc reached an isle Whereon the watere settled languidly." I' ODE. 9 Wliy ilidst thou take her from me ? why transform 'Die passionate presence hi my shielding arms To this poor pliantom of a broken brain, Mocking my woe with shadows ? On a night Wlien the still sea was calmest, the bright stars Most bright, and a warm breathing on the wind .Spoke of perpetual summer, a strange voice I scarce could hear, said: " It is evening time," And a wan hand my eyes were blind to note Beckoned her far away. The awful grief Closed round me like an ocean. I was mad, And raved my memory from me. When again The world dawned, as a dreary landscape dawns Grotesquely through the sluggish mists of March, I walked once more in a great capital's streets, A savage 'midst the civilized, a man — .Shattered and WTecked, I grant you, — still a man Amongst the puppets that usurp the name And act tlie fraud so basely, that the Fiend Weai-ies to death the echoes of his hell I n laughter at them. I uia with you still, Kmasculate denizens of the stifling mart, Wliere heaven's free winds are throttled in the fumes Of furnaces, and tlie insulted sun Olooms through tlie crowding vapors at midday. Like a God, re-collecting to liimself His immortality; where nerveless limbs 'Jear nerveless bodies to their separate dens Of torture, ami It an, wide-eyed revellers Foster the hungering worm that never dies, And fan tlit; lurid fire unquenchable; Where stealthy avarice lurks in wait to sack The widow's house ; and license of low minds, Loaded with prurient knowledge, and no hearts (Self-worship having killed them), make the world A Pandemonium. I am with you still; But the hours creep on to a more fortu- nate time; A vessel swells her broad sails in the bay. And the breeze blowetli seaward ; I Avill seek My island in tlie southern waves again ; A thousand memories urge me, tones that slept Waken to invitation; I can feel The Hesperian beauty of tliat realm of peace Flushing my brain and fancy: but through all The ruddy vision glides a tender shade. And pauses with mute meaning by a grave. GDI:. I>elivereil on the First Anniversary of the Car- olina Art Association, Feb. 10, 1856. There are two worlds wlierein our souls may dwell, With discord, or ethereal music fraught. One the loud mart wlierein men buy and sell (Too oft the liaunt of grovelling moods of Hell), The other, that immaculate realm of tliought, In whose bright calm the master-work- men wrought. Where genius lives on light, And faith is lost in sight. Where crystal tides of perfect harmony swell 10 Yorr/iFUL roKMs. Up to tho hoavons Ihal iu'vor hold a I cloiui. And romni mvat altars ivvt-ivnt hosts ai'o ho\\(>(K Altars iipivaivd to lovo that (.-aimot di.'. To hoanty that fonnof Uoops its yi>iith, Vo kingly graiidtMir. and to virginal | truth. " I Vo all things wiso and pinv, WluMVof our (.Jod hath said, " Kndniv! I oiuluro! i Vo are but parts of nu\ Tho Inttli /i('('(i, and the ovornioiv to be, Ot" my snprtMuost Iinntortality I "" \\\' tailor in tho darknoss and tho doarth Whioh sordid passions and nntamod do- siros froato about us; univoi-sal oarlh (iroanswith tho burdou of our sonsual woos ; Tho hoart hoavou gavo for honiago is oonsiunod Uy tho wild ragos of unhallowod tiros: Tho blush of that lino glory whioh ilhunod Tho oarlior agos, hath gone out in gloom ; Thoro is no joy within us. no repose, l>no ort>od om' boaoon. and one god our hold. Tho oroed. the god. of gold; Tho hoavonward Mingod Instinct that aspiivs. Like a lost seraph with dishovollod plume. Pants humbled in the "slough of deep Despond; " Tlie presei\t binds us. there is no l>eyond. No glorious Future to the soul oontent With the ywor husks and g-arl^age of this world ; And aiv indeed the wintrs of worship furled Forevermore ? Is no evangel blent. Xo sweet ev.angel, with the hiss and hun\ Of the century's wheels of progress? Science delves Down to tho earth's hot vitals, and ex- ploros Koalnis arotio aJid anlarotio. tho strange slioros Of roniolo soas. or with raised vision stands. All undisniayod. amidst tho starry lands: Man too, malorial man, out baser s.'lvos, Slio hath unmasked oven to tho sourceof being: Almost she seems a god, Doop-soarohiug and far-seeing: .\nd yot how ofi like some wild t'unoral wail AVhioh goes before tho burial of our hopes, Emergitig from the starry-blazoned copes Of highest lirmaments, or darkest vale Of the nether earth, or from tho bnrdonod air Of ehambers w here this mortal frame lies bare. Probed to tho core, her saddening ao- oonts eome; " What ! oall'st thou man a seraph '? nay, a olod, Tho veriest olod when his frail breath is spent, >[an shows to us who know him ; what is he ? A speck I the merest dew-globe 'midst the sea i)f life's intinity: "' Or, " we have probed, dissected all we can. But never yet, in any mortal man. Found tee the spirit ! thing of time and clay. Eat. drink, enjoy thy transient insect- day!" Tims Science; hut while still her mock- ing voice Rings with a cold shai"p clearness in our eai-s. Her beauteous sister, on whose brow the years Have left no eankering vestige of de- cav. mystic rays of rainbows Then Sliakespeare mild. drawn. Blessed with the innocent credence of a Aiul colors of the sunset and the dawn. The painters pencil his ideal fine. child, With a child's thoughts and fancies im- Had clothed in hues divine; de tiled. Or, skilled in living words Melodious as the natural voice of birds And yet a Magian strong To whom the springs of terrible fears (But each a sentient thing, a meaning grand. belong. Of majesty, and beauty, and delight. It is not given to all to understand). The poet from the shade of breezy woods. To the weird eharm of whose infallible sight. The heart's emotions. From barren seaside solitudes. Though turbid as the tides of darkest And from the pregnant quiet of his soul Outbreathed the numbers that forever roll oceans, Shone clear as water of the woodland brooks — Perennial, as the fountains of the sea, He passed with wisdom throned in his Antl deep almost as deep eternity! Near and yet nearer the bright concourse looks Attempered by the genial heats of wit; came. AVhile close beside him. his grand coiui- Their faces all aflame, tenance lit As when of yore the quick creative thrill By thoughts like those which wrought Did smite them into utterance, and the his Judgment Day. throng. Awed by the fiery burden of the song, Grave Michel Angelo His massive forehead lifts. Grew reverent pale and still: 0! solemn and sublime Apocalypse That wresteth, from the dreary death- In a strange Titan fashion, unto Heaven: Xext Raphael conies, with calm and star- like mien. eclipse. Fresh from the beatific ecstasy. The sacred presence of these marvellous His face how beautiful, and how serene! men! Yonder the visible Homer moves again. Since (Jod for him the awful veil had riven QUEEN GALi:SA -TUh: POETH ThTST IN JUS SOll/iOW. 13 That shrouds Divinity. Ami rolled bcfort' his woiuk'rinj; mind and oyo X'isions that we should gazo on hut — to die! They passed, and thousands more passed by with them; Again Art's Genius spake: " Lo! these are they Who, through stern trihulatious. Have raised to right and truth the sub- ject nations; Lol these are they, Who, were the whole bright concourse swept away. Their fame's last barrier, built the siu'ge lo stem Of chaos and oblivit)n. whelmed be- neath The pitiless torrent of etei'ual death, Would yet bequeath to races unbegot 'i'lie precepts of a faith which faileth not; I'ointing, from troublous toils of time and sense, From bootl(!ss struggles born of impo- tence. To that fair realm of thought, In whose bright calm these master- workmen wrought, Where crystal tides of perfect music swell I'p to the heavens that never held a cloud, And round great altars worshipping hosts are bowed — Altars upreared to love that cannot die, 'I'o beauty that forever keeps its youth, To kingly grandeur, and to virginal truth, To all things wise and pui-e. Whereof our God hath said : ' Endure ! endure ! Ye are but parts of me. The HATH 15KEX, and the evermore to BE, Of my suprcmest Immortality!' " QUEEN GALENA, Oli THE SULTANA lU'/rn.i )/■:/>. IIoi.dI let the; heartless perjuri'r go! Spt'ak not! strike not! he is *//// foe. From me, me only, comes the blow — 1 will repay him woe for woe; Look in my eyes! my eyes are dry, I breathe no plaint, 1 heave no sigh, But — will avenge me ere 1 die. Think you that 1 shall basely rest. And know the bosom min(^ hath prest. Is couched upon a colder breast ? Think you that 1 shall yield tlie West, The Orient soul my natiu'c^ nurst, Till the black seed of treachery burst And blossomed to this deed accurst ? My rival! O! her glance is meek, Iler faltering presence wan, and weak As th(! faint (lush that tints her cheek. 'Tis not on lier tliat I would wreak My vengeance — sooner would 1 wring Lif(^ from an insect-birth of spring Than palter with so poor a thing. But he — I tell you if he flew. As it was once his wont to do, Kepentant — ])lea(ling — quick to woo, With all his wild h(>art flaming through The glance of passion — it were sweet, Yea, nujre! 'twere righteous, just, and meet. To slay him kneeling at my feet! TT(> .s7/f'// not wed her; by Heaven's light He shall not; o'er my lurid sight Throbs a thick fire; the ancient might Of a stern race is stirred to-night; jl/// sovereign claim annvfl — disown! I will repay him groan for groan, Or — stab him at the altar-stone! THE f'OET'S TRUST IN IlfS SORROW. O (Joi)! how sad a doom is mine. To human seeming: Thou hast called on me to resign 8o much — much ! — all — but the divine Delights of dreaming. 14 lOUTlIFUL FOEMti. I set my d renins to nuisic wild, A wealth of measures ; My lays, thank Heaven! are undelileil, I sport witli Fancy as a child With golden leisures. And long as fate, not wholly stern, l>ut this shall grant me, .Still with perennial faith to turn Where Song's unsullied altars burn Nought, nought shall daunt me! What though my worldly state be low IJeyond redressing; I own an inner llanu; whose glow Makes radiant all the outward show; My last great blessing! THE liUOOK. But yesterday this brook was bright, And tranquil as the clear moonlight, That wooes the palms on Orient shores, But now, a hoarse, dark stream, it pours Impetuous o'er its bed of rock, And almost with a thunder-shock Boils into eddies, fierce and fleet, That dash the white foam round our feet, A raging whirl of waters, rent As if with angry disc(.)nlent! A tempest in tlie night swept by, Born of a nuuk and iiery sky, And while the solid woodlands shook, It wreaked its fury on the brook. The evil genius of the blast Within its quiet bosom passed. And therefore this transfigured tide, Which usetl as lovingly to glide As thought through spirits sanctified, Kolls now a whirl of waters, rent As if with angry discontent. I knew, of late, a creature, bright And gentle as the clear moonlight. The tenderest and the kindest heart That ever played I^ove's selfless part, iVcross whose unperturbed life, A sudden passion swept, in strife, Witli wild, unhallowed forces rife. 11 stirred her nature's inmost deej). That ncvei more shall rest or sleep, Bemorse, its rugged bed of I'ock, O'ei' \\liich for aye, with thunder-shock. The tides of feeling, fierce and fleet. Are dashed to foam or icy sleet, A raging whirl of waters, I'ent By something worse than discontent ! NATUUE THE COSSOLEIi. Gladly I bail these solitudes, and breathe The inspiring breath of the fresh wood- land air. Most gladly to the past alone bequeath Doubt, grief, and care; I feel a new-born freedom of the mind, Nursed at the breast of Xature, with the dew Of glorious dawns; 1 hear the mountain wind. Clear as if ellin trumpets loudly blew, I'eal through the dells, and scale the lonely height, Bousing the echoes to a ([uick delight. Bending the forest monarchs to its will, 'Till all their pond'rous branches shake and thrill In the wide-wak(;ning tnnmlt; far above The heavens stretch calm and blessing; far below The mellowing fields are touched with evening's glow, And many a pleasant sight and sound I love Woidd gently woo me from all thoughts of woe: .Simlighted meadows, music in the grove. From hapi>y bird-throats, and the fairy rills That lapse in silvery nun-murs through the hills; ' Gladly 1 hail these solitudes, mid breatlie The inspiring breath of the fresh wcodland air.' NATURE THE CONSOLER. 15 Great cirrlcs of r'uli f()li;iL,'(\ raiiiliow- crowKcil By aiitiimirs lihcnil liiiiji'ss, wliilsL iiromiil firavf slice]) lie iiiii^iii"-; on tlic ])asl()i'al fji-oiiiid. Or sciidiiiu; a mild bleat Tf) otlier (locks al'ai', 'I'lic lleecy comrades llicy are wont to meel Homeward rei iiriiiiiii; 'iiealli tJK! vc'S])ei- Oil, ueiiiai peace of Xaturcl divine calm 'i'liat fallest on the spirit, like the rain Of Kden, bearing melody and lialm To soothe the troubled heart and lie;il lis ]inin, 'I'liy inlliieiice lifts me to a realm of Joy, A mooiilinht luippiness, intens(! but mild. T'nvisited by shadow of alloy, And (lushed with tender dreams and fan- cies undeliled. 'I'lie universe of (iod is still, not dumb, F(;r many voices in svv(!et undertone To ri'verent listenei's come; And man\ liioiiLjbts, with Iruth's own jmiiey laden. Into I lie walclier's wakefid brain have; Mown, < liarminy the inner ear Willi harmonies so low, and yet so clear. So undelined, yet pregnant with a feelinu;. An insjiiration of sublime revealing. Thai lliey whose being the strong spell shall hohl. Do look on earthly things Thr(Migli atnios])hcres of rich imaginings. And iind, in all they see, A meaning manifold; TIk; forces of divine vitality IJreak through the sensual gloom About them furled, All instinct with the radiant grace and bloom Caught from the glories of a lovelier world. A lovelier w. Tho musio tar swootor than Fame's. And so. "gainst tho rush of the passions Sho lifts tho broad buckler of right. And so. through the glooms of tempta- tion. She walks in a splendor of liglit. THE rUESES TIM EXT. Ovi'.i; luM" faee. so tender and meek. The light of a prophoey lies. That has silvered tho red of tl;o rose on her eheek. And ohastened tho Ihouglit in her eyesi IJoauiiful oyi>s. with an inward glaneo. To the spirit's mystieal deep: Lost ill the languid gleam of a tranoe. More solemn and saintly than sleep. And, forever and ever, she seems to liear Tlie voice of a spirit implore. *" Come I enter the life that is nol)le and clear; Come I grow to my heart onee more." And. forever and ever, sho mutely turns From a mortal lover's siiihs: -Vnd fainter tho rod of the roso-tiush burns. .Vnd deeper the thought in her eyes. Tlie seeds are warm of the thurehyard flowers, That will blossom above her rest. And a bird that shall sing l>y tho old ehurch towers. Is already Hedged in its nest I And sii. when a blander summer shall smile. On some night of soft July. Wo will louil to the dust her beauty awhile, in the hush of a moonless sky. And later still, shall the ehurehyard tlowers. (ileain nigh with a white iuerease: And a bird outpour, by the old church towers. A plaintive poem of peace. THE Tiro sr.MMEliS. TiiKHK is a golden season in our year. Between October's hale and lusty cheer. And the hoar frost of winter's empire drear; AVhieh. like a fairy tUnxl of mystic tides. Whereon ilivine tranquillity abides. The kingdom of the sovereign months divides; The wailing autumn winds their requiems cease. Fro winter's sturdier storms have gained release. And heaven and earth alike are bright with peace. O soul! thou hast thy golden season tool A blissful interlude of birds and dew. Of balmy gales, and skies of deepest hlue I LINES. 17 That secoiiil suinini'f, wiicu ll'.y \v(irl< is (lollc, The liarvesL liourdcd, iiiicl the iiu'llow sun (ilciuns on tlu; Iruitl'ul liclds tliy toil li;is won ; Wliicli, also, like a fair myslcrions tide, Whereon ciilni tlion^hts like shi|)s al. anclnn- ride, Dipili liie liin:iil eini)ifc of liiy years di- vide. 'I'liis ])assed, wlial more of life's brief palli remains, A\'inds llir()ii!;li nnlii:;lite(l vales, and dis- mal plains, 'i'lie liannl i)f eliillinL:, lili^lil, or f^'V(!r(Ml [lains. Pray, then, ye hai)])y few, aloni; \vhos(! way I ray, Life's Indian snnuiiei- pmirs its pnriiliii'j, That ye may die ere d.iwns I he evil day. Sink on that season's kind and t^enial breast, While peace and snnshine rnle Ihe elond- less west, Tho elect of Ciod, whom life and death have blessed! L I X /•; .s' , "Thoujili (lowcrcil wilh instincts ki'cn and lii^'li." " I u-..,.|, I\Iy ynntli, and its ln-avc lioju'S, all olar snn. Declines the latest hope of fame. He Ionised to sinij; one; noble song, To thrill, with passion's living breath, The fools whose scorn bad worked him wrong, And liallle fate, and concpier death. Dear (iod ! dost thon endow with powers, Whose aspirations mock the bars Of time and sense, whose vision towers Irrailiatc "mid thy sovereign stars, ()nly to furnish some faint gleams Of loftiei' beauty, (|iuck withdi'awn, rjcaviiig a frenzied bell of dreams. And wailings for the \aiiisbed dawn ? The oracles of fancy mute. Ambition's priests dethroned and (led, He wanders with a lumdess lute. Through dreary regions of tho dead. i!ut from that )ilace of bale uploom The phantoms of unbuiicul yi^ar.s. The- liaunting care, the grief, the gloom, Th(! treacherous hopes, tlu; pale-eyed fears That, stormed bis spirit's brave design, 'I'hat clogged its wings, betrayed its trust. Defaced its creed, and dashed the wine In song's bright chalice, to Ihe dust. Ah, lleaNcn! coidd be retrace his life l''rom out tills realm of doubt and llo\v whorcsoi-'or you j^o. All \our words ;;ro fair and lioklon, .Ml your artions false and wrong, iSol the uoblost soul's boholdon To your woak alVootions long; Only true ii\ — lovor's faiu-y. Only (.lUistant in —his si>ng. OX .1 roirrn.irr. A *vilo\voi' luiisos ovoi- llu' lilvo\io.-!s >>1 his iloavl will'. 'riiK faoo. tlu> beautiful faro. In its living flush and glow. Tho porfoot fai'o in its i>oorloss graoo That I worshipiH'd long ago; That I worshipiH'd whou youth was strong and bold. That I worship now, 'riuHigh tho i>ulso of youth grows faint and low. And tho ashi's of hopo aro eold. Tho faoo. tho boautifnl faoo. Evor haunting n»y hoart and brain. r>ringing ofttinios a droani of boa von, (.>fttinios tho pang of a pain ^Yhiob darioih down liko a lightning tlash To tho droadful doops, Whoro tho gonis of a shipwrookod lifo juv oast. And its doad ookl prondso sloops. Swoot faoo! shall 1 moot thoo again. In tho passionless land of pahns. I?y tho vorgo of Iloavoi\'s onohantod streams In the hush of its perfoet oaln\s; Or. forever and ever, and evornioro. While the years depart. While the aces roll. Walk tho glooms of a ghostly shore. Made wild by a phantoni-hauuied brain. And a oloud-onoirolod soul; r>y a haunled brain and a ohoorless hoart. While tho years and the ages roll ".* No answiM' oonies lo my ory. Though out of the depths 1 eall: Not tho faintest gleam of a hopeful beam Shines over the shroud and pall. My soul is olothoil with saokoloih and dust. And I look from my widowed hearth With a vaeani tve on tho tumuli and stir Of this weary, dreary earth: For my soul is dead and its hopes aro dust. And the joy of passion, the strength of trust, 77;(,s't'passevl from the world with hn: rilK Sll.lDOM. TltK pathway of his mournful life hath wound Heneath a shadow; just beyond it play The genial bree/es, and the eoi>l brooks stray Into melodious gushings of sweet sound. Whilst ample tloods of mellow sunshine fall lake a mute rain of rapture over all. Oft hath he doonu\l the spoil of darkness lost. And shouted to the dayspring: a full glow I woe. Hath rushed to olasp him; but the subtle rnvani|uished ever, with the might of frost . Kegains its sad realm, and with voieo malign Saith to tho dawning joy: *' This life is mine I "' Tiih: wisTi'.i; \vi\i)s — iJNi)i<:i: shnti'.n ('!<:. 19 Slill smiles llic l)i;i\t' soul, iimlivoiiTd I'lOlll linpc! And, Willi iinu.urriiiL; (•><• .'iimI wiiirioi" iiiii'ii. Walks ill I he shallow, dauiil less and scrciic, To Icsl, lliioiii;li lioslilc ycais, llic iil- Illosl, SCOJIC < »t' man's ciidmiiiicc — (;oiislant to essay All liei^ids of palieiKii! t"n!(! to fee.t of .•lay. Slill smiles llie liiave soul, luiilivoreed from hope! Ihil now, methinks, Ww pale hope j^a,tli- ers strength ; (■lad winds in\adellie silence; streams, al leniJilh. flash Ihioil'^h Hie desert; 'lieatll l,he sap|ihire e()pc < »l' di-epeijiiij4 heavens he hails a happier s A/.iy iv//jI)LY /:ai'/:. Till'; wintei' winds may wildly rave;, How wildly o'er thy plaee of rcist! I'liil. lo\'e! Mioii hasi, a holier f^rave, I )erp ilia tail hfiil hiiiiian hreast. 'riieic, I he emhalmer, .Memory, heiids, Wali'liini^, with soflly-hreathed sif^hs, The mystic lij^lit Iier {genius lends To fadi'less clKicks and tender (!y(!s. 'I'lieie in a fal hornless calm, serene, Thy heaiily keeps its saintly trace, 'I'lie radiance of an anfjid mien, Tlie raptnre of a heavenly f^race. And there, C) {gentlest lov('! ri'inain (No stormy passion round thee rav(ts). Till, soul to soul, we meet ai^aiii, Heyond I his t;liostly realm of f^raves. I/A' />/:/{ s/!>t burns on wedded lijis ".' My life-stiir eoiild not bieaU (he eelipse Wherein "twiis li,>rn ! So that i!;nk.h>oni \\'hieli honniU uie to a sliauielnl tomb, Ordained llial tiie liend's triel< tliey nsed Slionid trap nii'I I'aith. love, peaee ahnsod. I woke lo liud my heai'l hefetl Of its (Hie treasure! What was left '.' What. l>nt llial mandate N'enucanee. iiisse.i Willi hot tonune thro" a seethiiiL;- mist Of passion : the lieree mandate, "• Kill '.' " Ayol hut shr. loo. la\ Man. lied and slill. Klanehed on theeoueli 1 dreamed would he My wi>ildinLi- eoueh I Oh, int'amyl His outrage smote her to the heart : II eraslied Ihe i:aies ol' lite ai>art. Where thronuh hei- shudderim; sonl look Ihuht : Ihil ere Ihe dealh-dew dinnned her sij;lit. 81ie pive me, as I .said, this Ilower, And — one lonj; smile! To my last hour I've shrined her sn\ile! It', it' ,-onie- whoiv There hv a heaven, h.-nicn and fair. Its saints, 1 feel, must smile so there! l^read l!od! e(>uldsl thou have marked my w roim. Yet sheathed Ihy liuhlniui;- ? I was stronc' And lusty as the hillside nn': Could wield the brand and bend the l>ow Sodeflly, that his lordshipdeisiued To show me favor! Was it feii;iied '? I know not ! His lasf kindness took .\ stransiv shape truly : for it shook My hopes to atoms! Yet /h- fell Troue wiih them! Shall we meet in hell •: I ask airain. 11a! if we do Aiui tlunv's a sinc:le nerve, or thew. Or muscle l(>ft to nake.l soi;l, I'll strangle him onec more; einoll My ruthless arms round lireast and throat. And wrinu from out his gorp' thai note or palsied fear! I'll do "l, iho" all The devils should pull me haek. and eall P'resh tornii-nts on my anguished bead: Doubtless thev'll lake Ins part instead. Of iiniic. being de\ ils. and be the worst ; A prince amongst their tiibes aeeiu'd dead! l^'nll time 1 trow. I'or all the bounds of hell lo know That Satan's rivalled! Hark without ! 'Ihe gathering tramp, the approaching shout Of thousands! Wt-U. their scatVold's high: Fair chance for all io see me die! 77//- in.i.tci: /tr.frrv. Tin: glowing tints of a tropic e\o. I>urn on her radiant cheek. .\nd we kuiuv that her voice is rich and low. Though we never have heard her speak: So full are those gracious eyes of light. That Ihe blissful llood runs o'iM'. And wherever her trau.piil patbwav lends .\ glory lliis on before! O! very grand are the city belles. Of a l>rilliant and stately n\ien. .\s they walk the steps of the languid dance. And Iliri in the pauses between: Ihil b(Miealh the boughs of the hoary oak. When the minstrel fountains play, 1 think that the artless village girl Is sweeter by far than they. AFTICll JJKA 'I'll. 21 ()\ very K'ari'l arc, the city Ix-IIch, JJiit l,li(!ir licartH an; worn away J5y Uio I Of all things Ix-antifnJ, and grand jmd free, Seiiiicd jrjst in ^^^' r' ^jH- S O X N E T S. The passionate miimiiht's (k-ad ! tlic sky's a;,'l(>\v Willi roscaU; (lushcsof iiialurcd desire, The winds at eve; are niusieal and low, As sweeping eiiords of a lanienling lyre. Far np among the pillared eloiiilsof fiie. Whose pomp of strange procession np- ward rolls, With gorgeous blazonry of ]iieliired scrolls, To cel(!brat(; tlii; siunmer's ]iast lenown ; All, me I how regally the heavens look down, O'ershailowingheaiitifnl autumnal woods And harvi-st fields with lioard(!d in- ereasi^ brown. And ilee])-toned majesty of golden floods. That laise their solemn dirges to the sky. To swell the purjile pfim])tliat floateth by. LIFE AS I) hF.ATIJ. I. — I, UK. Si'FFEi'.iN';! and yet majestieal in pain; MysterioiisI yet, like spring-showers in the sun, Veilini: the liglit with their melodious rain. Life is a warp of glootn and glory spun ; Its darkling phases are as elouds that nK)urn Beneath the loftier splendors of an areh Where deathless orbs in golden daylight burn, Anil <;od's great jmlses Ijeat their iiiiisio maieh. 'I'liehea\en we woisiiip (jiijily girl uitli teai's, 'I'lie spirit-heavi-ii. what is it but a life, J^ifting its soul l^eymid our mortal years 'i'liat oft begin, and r!V(!r end with strife;: Strife; we must i)ass to win a happier height, .N'ature but ti-avails to reveal us — Yv^A. II. — DKAIII. 'I'JIK.V wheiiee, () Death! thy drea)-iness ? We know That every llouerlbe bree/.e's flatleiing breath Wooes to a blush, and love-liki: mur- muring low, I)i(;s but to multiply its bloom in death : 'I'Ik! rill's glad, ])r;ittiiiig iiifaney, that fills The woodlands with Its song of iiinoeent glee. Is passing through the heart of shadowy hills. To swell the eternal manhood of the sea ; And the great stars, Creation's minstn'I- fire.s Are rolling toward the e-enlral source of light, Where all their separate glory but ex- jdres To Jiierge into oni- world's unbroken might ; There is no death but change, soul clasp(!th soul, And all are ])ortion of the immortal Wh(j|e. 26 SONNETS. SHELLEY. Because they thought his doctrines were not just, ^Mankind assiiincil for him the ehasten- iuv(> Iho kindly visilluns Of ji'tMitli' (irnii lo fail' fortunos wod: The seas \\:\\c lost I heir Ncroids. the sad slrcanis 'I'lu'ir i^oKMiaircd liabilanls, llic nioim- I aiiis ioui' 'riiosc liapi'v Oreads, and llic blil lu'sonu" lOlU' Of rail's sofi pip.' inclls only in onr dreams; KilfniJN fall the old faith's broken uleains On onr dull hearts, cold as sepuleliral stone. <) <-■()/).' friiAT ai.ouiors skasoxh ni.Fss III) ivoui.n : O (ionl what tjlorious seasons bl(>ss thy world! Seel the traui'ed winds are nestliu'; on the deep. The li'iiardiau heaviuis unclouded viuil keep O'er the mute earth; the beai'h birds" w in_u,s are furled (i host -like !U\(1 u;r;vy, where the dim bil- lows eiu'led l.a/ilv lip the sea-strand, sink in sleep. Save when ilu> random tish with liulit- ninu ii>ap Flashes above them, the far skv's im- pearle.l Inland, with lines of silvery smoke that j;leam Ipward from ipiiet hon ,\>steads, thin auil slow : 'I'lio sunset uirds me like a ij;orij;eous dream rreguanl with splendors, by whose mar- vellous spell. Senses and soul are thished to one deei> ,ulow. The i^oldeii mooil of tlu>u,i;lils inelTable! •• i/(i\(; /•///• rrrii rin /urrnixa /.■/■/■ /■_■• .\io\(; the iiath lliy bleedini;- feet have trod, O ( 'liiisi ill 11 Mother! do the mart \ r-years. Crow ned w itii suffering tliroiii;li the mist of tears ItJod; I'plifl their l>ro\\s, t horu-eireleil, iiulo Most billerlv our l''athei'"s .■liasieiiinL; rod Math ruled within lli\ term {^( mortal da>s. Vet in thy soul sprini;- up the tones of praise. I''ri'ely as tlowcrs frtnn out a burial-sod: Nor hath a tireK>ss faith <>ssa\ed in vain To win from sivrrovv that diviner rest. >\'liieli, like a sunset, pui'idiui;' ihronuh the rain Of d\in^' storms, maketh tlie darkness blest; (irit>f is iraustiL;itrt>d. and dethroned Fears. Tale ill the Lilory beekoniii!;- from the West. •■ /•()(> (»/••/• /■///: /•(>/'/' IX i:i..ii!Oi!.iTi-: ri-i;si:r Too oft the poet in eiaboral<> verse. Flushed w ith muunt images and gorgeous tropes, Oasteth a doubtful liuht, whieh is not hope's. On the dark spot vvheri> Heath hath sealed his curse In inoiiunieutal sileiiee. Nature starts Indignant from the saerilege of words That ring so hollow, and forlornly girds ller groal woo round her; there's no triek of Art's. MOUNTAIN SONNETl-i—a(JMI'()SI<:i> IN AdTIIMN. 29 lint shows iiiDsl, i;li;istly hy u iii;vv-rii;ul(! toiiili. / sec IK) liiiliii ill <;ilc;i(l; lie is lost, 'I'Im; hcaiilU'iil soul Mial, lovcil line, lliy lilV's IiIdoiii, Is willirrcd liy Ww. smldcii l)li;_!jil,iii^ trosl ; <) (iiicl! lidu iiii;^lity ; ('reeds! how viiiii ye iin;: Kiiilli iiiesscs eh)sely, — Ile.'ivon is cold :iiiii I'lii'. Mot • \ I'M X SO X X a; ts. I Will I "■11 on run- o( I Ik- I'.lni: kiilK<; raiini', of .\louiil,;iiiiH. I ■ IIki;i: let me pause; hy tlie \<>n(: (;a|;;l(;'s liesi,, Aim! hre.dhe, llie ;^o!ileii sniili;^lil, and sweet, air, W'liirji ;;ird and .'^ladilcii ;dl I his region lair Willi a iieriKftnal hfiiiison of icsl,; J.ik(!af(rand piiriiosc I hat, some god hath hlest, 'riif, iinmemorial mountain secerns l,o rise, Yearning to oveilo)) diviner skies. Though ino;iaroh of I he i>om|is of Ivist and \Vest; .\iid poiKlering liero, the genius of the height <,)uie|<(iis iny soul as if an angel spalie, And 1 riiii IVil old chains (if custom hivak-, llight; And old amhilions start, to win the, ,\ ralni resolve horn with llieiii, ill whose, might, I thank thee, Heaven I that nohle thoughts awake. Here, friend! iijioii this lofty ledge sit (low II, And vii'W the heauteoiis prosper't spread hejow, Around, ahove us; in Hk; noonday glow How ealni the landscape rests! yon dis- tant town, Knwrcathed with clouds of foliage like a crown Of rustic honor; the .soft, silvery How Of the cl(;a,r stream heyoiid it, and the si low Of endless wooded heights, cireliii'^ tli f;iithU>ss soul :i sad prosaiiv iiiiiiht M.'ii.l; To mi> llu'v l>rin,u a h;ii'i>i>M- au.muv ; Livos thai shall bKu>Hi in iivnial sun- shMU> t'lVl\ Nursi'i! hy I ho siu'll i.ovo's dews au.l lin>(VOs s.'ikI, And wlu-u ;( kiiidh Kato shall speak tho ,Mld. Powu droi'P'",- '" Tiuio's aiiluiun si- loiiih ; AH iii>|H's lullUl<-d, all passions duly l.l,«ssod. l,il\'"s cup ot' uladnoss draiutHl. oxi-cpt llu- Kvs. No luoio lo I'oar in* loui^ tor. hut tlio ' r>-sl Which I'lowns existence with its dream- 1 los case; | Thus when our days arc v\\>i.\ oh I let us I fall " I Inlo thai pt-rt'ect react- which wails tor all! anr.tr rorrs .t\n sma/.i.. SiiM.i. I no! t'alter on n\elodious w inj;'. In that n»y notes are weak and may not ris(> ■Po those world-wide entranciti-; harmo- nies. Which the jiivat poets to the a^cs sii\j;'.' Shall my Ihouuhi's humble heaven i\o lons;er rinu AVith pleasant lays, heeanse the empyreal heisiht Stn-tches beyond it. liftinsi' to tho light The anointed pinion of sonu's radiant kinsi? jtlight Ahl a false thought 1 the thrush her titful Veutmes in vernal dawns; a happy note Trills fron» the russet linnet's gentlo throat. Though far above the eagle soars in might. And tho glad skylark — an ethereal n\ot e — Sings m high realms that mock our strainins; siirht. .1/)' .srrny. This is my world! within these narrow- walls. 1 own a princely service: the hot care And inuuilt of our frenzied life are here Uut as a ghost, and echo; what befalls hi the far mail lo me is less than naught ; I walk llic lieUls of quiet Areadies. And wander by the brink of hoary seas. Calmed to the tendance of untrouhled thought : Ov if a livelier humor should enhance The slow-timed i>ulse, "lis not for present strife. The sorditl zeal with which our age is rife. lis mammon eonlliets crowned by fraud or chance. Ihit gleamings of the lost, heroie life. Flashed through the gorgeous vistas of romance. TO . l>i.i,infei>! in this holy hush of night. 1 know that thou art looking to the South. Fair face and conlial brow bathed in the light 0( tender Heavens, and o'er thy deli- cate month A dewy gladness from thy dark eyes " sited : O eloiiucnt eyes! that on the evening spreail The glory of a radiant world of dreams (The inner moonlight of the soul that dims This moonlight of the sensel. and o'er thy head. Thrown back, as listening to a voice of hymns. Perchance in thine own spirit, violet ii'leams TO W. H. H. — LINES. 31 From modest flowers tliaL deck iIk; window-hiir.s, While the wmds sigh, and sing the far- off streams, And a faint bliss seems droi»ping from llie stars. Ol pour tliine inmost soul upon tlie air And trust to heaven the secrets that recline In the s\\(!et nunnery of thy virgin breast ; Speak to the winds that v.ander every- whr !',i'iuiis sancliruvs, /'//I'M' moiiiu w lu'i.' \ ilt-r passions caiiuol .liml., 77(t'.v'r li\<' \\lu-i'i> iiaNicil malice t'aiiils tuiil (lios. Still MHist tho coinmoii \iii.'i> (liMhumcc tho (looil. riif i-oiiiinou heart swell with an out raiAtHJ pritle. Thai llie poor piuehase o\ thai palli'v luee.l His eoiinlry »>\\etl liiin shoiil.l he thus ilenietl ; Shame k^w tin- Senate". shan\e on e\(>i'y hau>l \\ hieh (li.l not (alter when reeonlini; there. The has(\st aei aehlevotl l\>ruiai\y a year. Vo liro lln> seoni of tho whole Sonlltern laiiil: N»>r the South iMily. to)' our toes will ery (hit on yotu' petty paslehoaiil I'ltivalry I Tho pev^plo wl\i> ivt'uso to orowii the iii'eat And s;ooil with honor, do then\sel\es eelipse. And dvnihly shameless is the reert-aut State. Whoso eonden>nativ>u eoines t'n>ni her ow n lips. •'.lY tni.K roKT /)/.'/:. J, u/.Y(.\" An idle poot. »livamin.ii in the sm\. One siiven to mueh unhallowed va- siraney <.>t' thouiihi and step; whi>. when he e*nnes to die. Ill the hroad world I'an point to uolhinu; Aou,-: No eiiarlered eoiporal ious, no sli'eets pave.l \\ilh \er\ priueeJN sloiu'work. no vast tile Of w.areliouses. no slow ly-hoarded pile Of priceless treasure, no proud sceptre w a\ ed O'l'i poieui realius nf slocU. no maji'ie an l,a\i--iied oil eiii'ioii-. i^ius, or w orUs of sieani : «>iil\ a few wild soULis thai melt the heart. Oul\ the ulow of some uneaill\l\ dream. i'!ml>oiiii>d aiul iminorial : w hat iU'i- llnvse ',' Sneers the sa^e world; eh.alV. smoke. \ ain phantasies! Vn hanks iK>eay. Mt^rehant iuul jirehitect are lowly laid In purple palN. and the shrewd lortls of trade l.ann-nt. for iliev were wiser in llu>ir da\ Than the clear sons i>f li^hl ; hut piilhee. how Poih siautl the matter, when the years haxelled: What means yon concourse thronjiiuj; w here the tiead iMd sinjiei";*l*'<'l>"<; ;*;>y ! do they seek hin> tiow ".' Now that his dus; is .scattered on tlx" hreath Of c\er\ wind th;it Mows; what meanetli this'.' It means, ilnm sapioU cili/en. thai death Heralds the harvl's true life, as with a kiss. Wakens two innnortalilios; thoi\ how To the world's sconi. (.> pool, with calm hrow . DKAMATK; sic 10 to I IKS. DRAMATIC SKETCHES. ANTONIO ME LI DO HI. [Among the heroes of the moilcrn Greek revohition, none, jx'rhups, were so distinguished for acts of individual daring, and a spirit of romantic and chivalrous adventure, as Captain Antonio Melidori, a native of Caudia. lie waged against the Turks a partisan conflict, which was often eminently successful. Mis own deeds of strength, and rcckhss hardiliood, made him terrible to the foe, who were persuaded finally to look upon hini as one uliose life was " charmed." It did not prove so, however, as he fell a victim to the rage and jealousy of some of his own company. Having been invited by the malcontents to a feast, Kousso (the chief of the conspirators, whom Antonio appears to have rivalled successfully both in love and war), whilst in the very act of embracing the patriot, plunged a dagger into his bosom. There is a tradition that .\ntonio loved a beautiful maiden, I'hilota, whom in the stirring and anxious scenes of the revolution he was ultimately led to neglect, if not to forsake. A writer in "Chambers' .Journal" has from this episode in the private eareerof the (ircck ))artisan taken the material for a touching and graphio narrative, which has been closely, olli'u lilcrally followed in the comi)osition of the ensuing "sketch."] SCENE I. [A place not far from the summit of Mount I'siloriti, in the Isle of Candia. Philota dis- covered with a basket of grapes upon her head; she looks eagerly upward. Time, a little before sunset.] I'liii.cn A. Why couh's lie not ".' Hereon this omcr- ald swaiil. Close to till! cool shiule of tlu'se ancient rocks, We have met, and fondly lini^ei'ed in the snnset, Eve after eve, since lirsl lie said, " I love thee!" Never, Antonio, hast tlion hcen ere now A loiterer! wlierefore should my heart heat fast. Ami my lircath tiiickeii, ami the dew of fear Stand chill ui>on my forehead ? ls"t an omen ? [At this moment Antonio is seen l/oiinilinii quickly down ttic moiinldin ; Iw nitcliis I'liilola and embraces her.] ANTONIO. Thou hast waited lorn;, I'hilcjta. hasttliou not ? I'lIII.OTA. 'Tis true, Antonio! hut thou know'st an hour. Nay, a hare minute, di'ags the weariest lentith When thou art from nie! ANTONIO. Thanks, dearest, and, forgive me, I did hut dream upon the hill-top yonder •Vnd, dreaming thus, forgot thee. I'lIII.OTA. Forgot me ! ANroNIo. Nay, nay, I mean not thai! thy face, thy smiles. Thy deep devotion, in my heart of hearts, I keep them shrined forever, hut my thoiighis Turned truant; who can hold his thoughts, I'hilota, In a leash always ? prithee rcascend •M\ DBA MA TIC SKt: TCHES. 'rii(> luoimiMiii wiiii nil". I woiiM sliow llio place Wliicli li'in|tl("il tuy weak lliouuhls lo waiuU'i' thus. [Tlici/ tvach lh(' most ehrnlal /lortioii ({(' the moHutniii. u'liviit't' a with- vhviiit i\f' land \m' ihc iM'oad I'in'UU of llu< waltMv r.ihu. IVaoo htoods upou iho ocoau. rules iho air. Auil up ilu' suusot's ila/./.liu^- \KUh\vay w.ilks Like a saiui euliMiu^' Taradise. ■ Twere sweet. How swiHM. .\iUouii>. amid seeues like these. To live aud loxe t'oieverl \\ ioM(> \,(!>s,iill!/\. Dost thou think so? Ay I — well — pei'haps IMltl.Ol'A. lie lu>eds me not. his oyo Is eold aiul steru: what tixnihles thoo. Aiitouio '.^ AMOMO. Ti'oublel I am uoi troubled. IMllI Ol A. Uut thou ait. 1 know thou an; would'st thou deeeivo riiilota ? AMOMO. Now by the saiiUs. uot so; dismiss tho tear \Vhieh. like a treiuuKMis shadow, breaks the eahu <.>!' those soft eyes'. \(\l'fVhat if there bcl who would uot brave ibeni all. — All. loi- a eause Wkc ours'.' Hetiexe me. l.ove. We stand upou the brink of troublous limes: All shall beeliauued lune: men. — brave (ireeiau men. — Tin- blood of heroes iu ihem. — eaunot pause. ."storiuL; the honey, harvestiui; the olive. Or humbly following the tame hei\ls- u\an"s trade. Whilst Fri><>dom ealls to eonlliei. Look. I'hilola! Dost mark ytui lurid llash aeross the bay? (.hir soliliers test their oannoul hark. below. The drums of AtTeudouli — lun\ they ring I Already tlun\sauds of bold mountaineers lla\e formed beneath his banners; dost thou hear me? IMIII orA. .Vnd wotddst tlion wish to join ihem? Ah! I see. 1 see it all I — a troublt> on thy brow. IwM'ue upward from the restless glotmi w ithiu. Hath elouded o'er thy peaee. L — a frail girl. .Vnd gifted only with the wealth of lovo, How ean I satisfy the bnrtting need Of a strong man's ambition? Yes. tis .so, 'Tis oven sol — lovo is the woman's heaven. Her hope, her god. her life-blood.' yet to man. What is it but a p.vstinie? ANl'OMO .]//<: IJDoUf. 87 ANTONIO. Spciilc liol I llllS Oh, speak no(- llnis, I'liilolal I liavc loved 'IMiee, nlily lliee, — so liel|) nir, Vir'^in .Mnlher: lilll (■- of I'jiilel.ii, ;il III.- loot.ol' .Mdiiiit i'Hiloi-ili. riiiluliL clJHcovi'l'cil ;il, lliii VVlliilow, li)okiii;j; oiil, ii|><>ii I Ik; iii^lit, wliii^li in bleak ami Hlnniiy. | IMIII.ol A. IliU'k! how those lusty t iiimpetiirs, the winds, l'ri,'e on the hl;ick h;itt;ilioiis of the clouds; ,\iid see! the swollen ri\ulels rushing; dow n The sides of I'silorili! ^esterdiiy, 'Neath till- clear c;dm of Hie scroriest morn I'i.iith ever stole from I'aradise, llu-y swept, IJri^lit cuives of lau.^hin;^ silver in llie siuishine.; IJiit now, an overniiislerini^ rusii of Hoods, 'I'hey thunder to tin- hciiveiis, that an- swer l);iek From tlie wild depths of j;Ioom, — iui awful l,eni|)esl I [/'.'it/ir A.vro.Nio /inH/i/i/.] AN'rOMo. Whert! is tlie priest, I'liilolai* when! is An(hc;is.^ Was he not her" to-ni;,dit'' I'llll.OIA. Ay! hut lefi sonic li;ilf hour since! 38 /'/i'.i.i/.r/vc sKi:rc/n-:s. AXTON'io. liorsso. W'liMl sMv you? Why. wluil means lliis? Oh, Ihc piv>r I'ailii'i ! - ilun "iwas liiiu I j 1 looked lor kindlier weleoniel saw riiii.or v. I'eiil "iw i\l ihe niouul:i in lori'iMils: luMS WhtTet'ore. Kousso? lost! AVlial lliou hast asked. 1 ^yrant. — pro- Tlit^ Liood old man! — and yei. not so. teetion. sht^lter: not snI Dnist llion elaini nioi'e llian these? (;i\ e n\e \ on oaken statY. — and. hold : a i;,n »,i. ''•'^'^ r lailh tliy temper is most strange and Ot' the best viniaiie: Til he hack anon. wavwardl Anil the dear lather wiili me;— Ueeause. some nu>nihs a-one. not quite [l-Mt .tntoiiio. J'liilota kiu,/g hc/oiv all hihUH' ] myselt. of the rh-;iiii,ttii„•. r.lame the hot wine of Cyprus; spare saint. — A loveliersainl herself, and nearer truly vonr slave! |/r»r eves ,,. , , , :, . ,, , ", , , , , ' , , .' I'l^o thus, and elasi> thee. Hold, no Is shadowed ott to melaucholv lueamng. ■• i- i • .■> 1 . I . • 1- i-V ' toolish ones. (•ulv to waken to meruliau life, >.. , . ,. , r,,, . , . ,,., ■ ,., ... ., „ No weak, vain stnmiiliims. Hunk si u hen a like passion touehos It to uamo. ,, , , ^', " , . , thon that the storm riiiLOTA \iu-a>/i)iii\. ,, ,. , ,, , . . , .. , ,, , , ' leahim adowii the mountains rugged Oh. lueiviful Mother! save him, — save Antonio I steeps Can hear these feeble wailiugs to thy friends? Oh. potent Devil! elaiiu liiiu.— elaim ,, ,,\"., , , ... ,, , ,. . . . , ( ome. eome. riulota ! — it thon eould st Antonio! , ,. AA-1 I 1 11 , ■ 1 , ,. believe it. What! shall this ma apert hov dispute • .i .i ■ . .• .i i , ,, ' • ' 1 am the very worthiest ot thy vassals: • *^' List for an instant, while I paint the [Philota, »'i,<' sunda wn ot t hine eyes : — iMULOiw. .Vmid the waves A\ni horo! Of the .Kgean. bosomed in the calm uoisso l(T(?r(ni("(»man '.' IJOI.SSO. No! no! not fear, hut love! i'/ii;,oi A. Man, man! i pray thee IJlaspheme not thus! what canst thou know of h>ve ? 'Tis true thou speak'st it boldly; from thy lips The word falls witli a rounded fidlness off, And yet, beli«;ve me, thou hast used a phrase, (A sacred phrase, and wreteh(;dly pro- faned), Wiiidi, were thy years tliriee lengtliened out l>eyond The general limit of our mortal lives, And thou be made to pass through all extrtiines Of multiform experience, it could never Kntcr thy sonlid soul to eom|)reli(;nd ! liOISSO. Hravely delivered I by my soul, I third< W'c both makf; good deelaiiners! Wlieie did'st leai'u That pretty speeeji, Philota ? I'/lll-OI A. Wilt thou leave nie? norrsHo. I'shaw! thou art less than courteous. Leave thee ? no! I will not leave thi:(-! Hark ye, my proud damsel, I am iifjt oni'- with wliom 'tis safe to trifle, Tliou knowest, or shalt know tliis; so, mark my words, Long have I wooed thee fairly, would have won thcf;, Yea, and endowed thee with hot h wil.h the Monk Andrr'tin Ic'ininr/ upon, him.'] IMIII-OTA l/'lillth/]. Saved ! saveil ! AN TON- 10. Ila, Iiousso, I have lieard it whispered oft Amongst tliy watcliful brethren in this isle. That underneath that smooth and flatter- ing front '{'here lurked a mine of blackest villany! Faith! ] denied it once; what shall I say When next the public voice decries you, sir ? 40 DRAMATIC SKETCHES. KOISSO. A jost I 1 do nssmt' you hul :i ji^st ! This I'loak, wlucli in your scll-tUnotcd lli-ht. To rescuo Ihc doar I'atlier. Andreas (How tilad 1 am to sec his; saintship salV), You droi>i>t'd .sonu> furlonjis from the mountain's haso, I (MSt, in sjioilivo fashion, on my person. And deeming tliat riiilota would rejoiee To liear that thou luul'si so far hravi>d I lie fon'(> C th' Ireaeherous elements, I ealled upon her; She did me the vast honor to coufound Your hnmhle servant with Antonio, And "ere 1 was aware, sprang to my arms. With such a blinded cestasy of rapture. That 1 had welhiigh sunk into the earth. From the mere stress of native modesty! A jest, a jest, and nothing but a jest. ANTONIO. ijueh jesting may be dangerous, — be- ware! 8CENK III. [A yoar is suiniosoil to li;ivo clapsotl. The town of Siil\aki:i al'li-r uiiilulall. Kiitor ooii- tui^oilly a liaiul of Sphakiote soldiers, witli Koussoaiiuiiiy;st them. Tlie streets are erowded ■\vith women, many of whom jvre heard lanienl- ing the death of Antonio :Melidori.] Kousso [in a dhijuhcd voice]. "Why will ye elantor thus, ye foolish jades ? Your handsome favorite, your renowned commander. Is no more dead than 1 am! A WOMAN. Say'st thou so? "Where, then is INIt^lidori ? i{i>vsso \fitiU disuKixinii iiis voice]. AVould'st thou learn ? Women of Sphakia, your immaeulate captain. Ho for whose welfare, upon beudi'd knees, Ve nightly pray to heaven, whose name your infants Lisp in their very slumbers, hath be- 1 rayed us! Hold! lu'ar me out! I am no tlnbious w iluess; Thriee. whilst the battle raged along our front. I saw the traitor creeping like a dog Uetween the Turkish outposts! [Autonlo crppems in tlir r,i(r. iriUi a child in /lis arms.] ANTONIO. It is false! Here is your leader, Sphakiotes; what base slanderer Dares to pronounce me traitor? 1 but paused To save this weeping innocent, whose mother Fell by some coward's sword! KOUSSO. Ila, Sphakiotes. see, The noble INFelidori waxes tender. Soft as a woman! he must love the Moslem, Who fosters thus their otYspring! by the saints A lusty brat ! He'll thrive, good friends, believe me. And grow betimes, to cut our infants' throats! ANTONIO. Let him who speaks stand foith: 1 \\ ould confront .My bold accuser. WhM ! he clings to the dark! Fit place for lies and liars! Friends. 1 scorn To parley with t lus viper; there's a way. One only way. to deal with reptiles, crush them. Thus, thus, and thus, ^^'hen they have crawled too near us; [Sttimpituj riolciitly upon the earth.] Till then, why let the ugly beasts hiss on. Ami spit their harmless venom. AN'w.\'io Mi':ni)()i:i. 41 I'l'nriiiiif/ / lull! Down to his lalln'rl ii"'s ;i ^raJi'l'iil s|iiiil, A ml t liankl'iil I'lir ^ mall I'as'ors ! ['I'lif ridiril hriini In iiniriiiiir. iniil iiiiirr lltrcal- iiihiiilii hiirarilH ASriiMii.] AN lONKi. ShaiiH' iipKii yon ! TlioiiLili Ihr poor lioy wi'if lilly limt'.s a. Mosirm, I'll nar him ax my own; In' shall mil, liirisli; i'rriliami', u ho knows, w In'ii I lia vc diril lor yon, I'"or yon, iiml (irccjaii lihcrly, IhiH hahc, Karue»l 'I'o ivatl thy spirit like an open hook. And i-annot beileoeiveil; — all's elianged with us; Never again, as in the time that's past, Shall we, hand linked in haml, explore the vales. Ch' walk the shining hill-ti>ps; thou hast risen Far. t'araboM' luy level; a great man. Among the greatest, — thou werl mad t' espouse A humble girl like me; I ask it not; My love but burdens thy aspiring hopes, So, I beseeeh thee, ilwell no more upon it: Antonio, for thy welfare I would give ily soul's life; shall I then refuse to yield A pei"sonal joy, that thou may'si win and weil The immortal virgin — (ilory ? Dream it not : Oh I di-eam it not I AXTOMO. Now, gmeious (.iod, forgive me I It were pivsnmption, should I kiss thy feet. Thou V)niv, unseltish woman! yet thy wouU- Are true, too true, and I dare not giiin- Si\y them. One thing believe, Vhilota, 1 am vvivtehetl. Yes, far more so than thou art : l.l.;Vt r a iHiti.iti . I — Hid' St thou know The u-rribii' lilV 1 trad in this dread war- tare. Through wlial an ainiospiu're o( bK>od and earnagi' It is my di>oiu (o move, as liirough tln> air Of some plague-strirken eiiv, thiek with eurst's; Did'sl know th(> niunbcrless ilangers, thai like demons (Many unsoen, — and therefore iloubly fearfull, Whieh hover 'rouuil the soldier, hour by hour t>'ershadowing life with the blaek gloom of death; Oivl'st know the eoarse eompanions, the rude ni.nnners 0( vile extortioners, bent alone on pivy. And pei-sonal prolit, and the thousand evils (.uMulered of strife, and strife's unhal- lowed passions, t.>, tliou woidd'st shrink from following sueh base eonrses. Kveu as an angel from the brink i>f hell! I'UU.orA. Thou wrong'st my love, and hast de- ceived thyself; Where'er thou art. to me that plaee is heaven ; Antonio, tiod alone, Ood and my soul Know what 1 might, and wonltl have been to thee! I would have shared thy fortunes, joineil my fate For weal or woe, for honor vn- ilisgraee. For life or death to thine; have traeked thy steps, (If need it were,) through seas of bU>od anvl earnage, Stivngthened thy weakness, buoytnl thy sinking hopes. Nor, at tl»e woi'st, have shed one \\o- ^ man's tetU" AX'rONKj MHLIhoni. 4:j 'Yd sli;ik(! thy iiiaiiliood. Il;il(;«fsi'(l thy caiisi', I woiilil liavc! Htriv(!ii u> make my isiiiiil, woi'thy 'I'o iMoiiiil with ihcf; HO, wIkjii llic orljcd Slioin- liki' I In: lin; of siiurisc round lliy hrow, \o mail dai'c say that with lliat liisli'c mhijilwl One Iduhh of sliarae for Mchdoii's wife I This mif^ht liavc hccn, and tliis sliall ii<;v) a little. ANTOMO. Aneacef ul I ANTONIO. But \vh<;ro '.' I'UH.O'IA. What matter where, so that \ live in peace '.' '/Heve not, Antonio, in my hrmil^h' station One thou;^ht shall hrin^ content; — "In- was not false," \o mortal maiden stole Antonio's heart I ANTONIO. IJIessed words I 'Tis true I love hut thee! piiiurrA. Then do not sorrow. Love, I foif^ive thee; thou hast wronji;i'd me not. And for the child — ah, I shall iln-am it thine; 'lend it as thine, and when the years have ripened That infant soul, 'tis mine to h-ad to virtuf, I'll teach the hoy how nohlc was the ad Wln-ii'hy Antonio sav<-d him; I 11 hi- happy, Oh, trust me, i.ove! so very, v. Alul ilij *i\\ II lilc iiiul >al'('l V I'liii or V. 'l\)si>(Mul Ihcni both loillu'c. liiil liai'U! lll\ ll.tllU' Is slumloil by thy coiunulos in the \ alley. 'I'lu' hour has como that parts us. Kaiv Ihoo woll ! \Slh i/u'i .< him >i< r luiiiil.] \\ lOMO. "^\\a-^ not (Mil' wt'iU to pari iii litis coKl I'ashiou ; (\iiiu'. (Mil- iiioft' Uiss, riiilota I Km n\c I'ecl \Vc wi'ii" iinU'Oil lK'tii>tlu>(l; oiii> last, last Iviss! [ 77/.// iiiilinu-c mill ihtrt.] Sl-KNK V. |.Vn apavtmoiit in llio l\oiiso of .MVoiulouli, ll\o (Jovonioi'-tu'iioral of (';uuli;». Kiitor An- ti'uio. ainl Alli'iulouli, ooiivorsiitj;.) Al I IMIOII.I. Thcsi' private bickerings ate lite ffititl'nl eause Of all ilisi^i'aei' atiil tailtife; let us end ihem I W tOMO. Most willitt^lyl 1 have no t'eud with any. Saving one qiiaitel, toieed upon uie. ehiel'! AFIKMHM M. Tnio. true! but oven now a eourier waits, n>arii(Hl w ith a sp<>eial niessauv of i^'ooil will. Fioni IJousso. auil bis biothef, Ana>;- nost i ; They say, '• We plead for peace I .ill per- sonal hate Ilouceforth be (pn^lled betwciMi us; we would join Our ttoop to Melidori's. and mw bannei-s AVave side by side with his." .Vecept their protTcrl V\ l>>MO. I will! VFFKNOOri.I. To show thou art sincere, fail not to tost Their hospitality. AM TO IS U). Al'FKN'DOl 1,1. As how '.' They i;ive .V solemn feast (d' unity and frii-ndship. To which thou art invited, (io, 1 chars;o thee. AN I'OMO. Trust me. I shall lu- ibcre, what day's ai>pi>inted Whereon to hold this festival of love? All'KM>Ol 1.1. This very day; thou knowest tin- t'anip o( Konsso '.' v\ roMo. Ay I ril be there anon! [Kxit Antonio. Kiitvi; n/tfr a Mft' hitcrral, /'hiloto, icilh ti liiirrhd ttnit iturioiin mifti.'\ riiuor \. « >h, pardon, pardon I Most Li'racioiis (ioNcrnor! but 1 come to seek Ant Ant . that is, the Captain Mclidori. With lidin^s of m'a\c import. All'llM'Ol t 1. Hal Thou luckless messenger I he has ilo- partcd. Oone IMllltM'A |('V7(////|. Where, where '.' All'l \ IHU It. Vo feast with Kousstv run or v \nishi)i(i i>iil\. Then is he lost I O merciful (iod. pro- tect us! s<-km: VI. I .\u open spaoo in a wood, — tuMos arranjrcd fov a lianipiot, — Konsso, .-Vnasnosti, Antonio Moli.iori. and tlioir I'ollowors, disoovorod I'oast- AN AtiNOsri. A soldier's life foivverl frei> to pass In feast or fray! how glorious this wild banip.i<>t Oominuvd to those dull, formal feasts of olil. AN TO MO MELIhOm. 45 Held Ml, Mic olivr liiirvcsL! SpfiJik, Aii- loiiio. (;ivf us tliy tliiiii'4lii ii|ii)ii it: wliiil! art silciil '.' I'ri,'!' iiiiii no iiioi'c; prfclnuK;!- Aiil.onio ]lill(!S Kor lUc swccL (;fore tin- war, — what was hej- nani<; ? i'hilola? ANTONIO. Thy thoughts rini on fail- damsels; let, us talk J,,ike soldiers, not like Ijrain-siek Itoys in love. BOUHSO. With all my lieart; oidy, one pl(;dge to th(;(;, And Al'fcndoidi's daught,(;r! ANTONIO. I liave borne This Ji'sting with t.ln; ])al,ienr;r;of a saint. Hut now 'tis stret,elie,d to license. I'rithee, cease ! itocs.so. Cjiod, how he winces! if I'hilota — ANTONIO. Villain! Utt,er that sacred namt; again ltSri. wen spdlccii, inil)U> ciiiitaiii, ilioii well w roiim'il ; IJiil Koiisso is so li:isl\ ! lie rc|)t'nls; Let uol this solciuu least ol' iiiiily lirt'aU up ill iliscunl. Kousso. No, no, no, Aiiloniol 1 do ropont ! FrilluH' imuIh-.u'i' \\w, iriiMui, 111 .sign of iVfonciliMiuMil. I l!oti»soiif>ptV(iclies MtUilori iritli (in iiitstrinh/ sti-p; while in the act of tmlirnnn(i, lie uliilis /lini in Ihf side, i'liilola ntaliex npon the scene, irith II cni of aiionii, diid thi\>ws herself beside Antonio, whose head she supports.] IMIll.orA. Too h\{cl (> l\oi]. loo late! II.' t'aiiUs, Iw .ii.'s! Why siaii" \i' lliiis Ilium us, cnu'l iiicu '.' W'iiu", wine, auolluT ciiii, how slow yo lUO\ I'l My si-ail' is dri'iifhiHl wilh lilootl, — yt> \>ililt\ss Tools! Will not a iTt'aluro loan uic whcrcw iilial Toblml his wivti-lu'd w ouiid up ".' 'I'lu'iv, 'tis staiu'lu'd, Auil lu' rcvivi'sl AiUouio, spcaU lo luc, I aui riillola! ANTONIO \liifi miinl nuiiidvriuij]. WluTt' hast tluMi Ihvu, my love, this w in iu>t beautiful '.' iii:i;t!i:i!r. Was; yes, and is; Sbo had not lost one bloom wlien late I saw her. '■'J'lii; raiivas sjjeakK." ALLAN HERBERT. 47 JOCELYN. Sir, she is dead! HERBERT. Ay, so they say, old man; And yet I see her nightly, — in my dreams ; 1 tell you that lier clieek is round and fair As summer's fulness, that her eyes are lustrous, And she, a perfect i^resence clasped in light! Tlius will she loolv, on resurrection morning. JOCELYN [o.s/cip]. Alas, poor gentleman! how many loved her. And loved her vainly! Pardon, sir, your name ? HERBERT. My name is Allan Herbert. JOCELYN. Herbert, Herbert ! Where have I heard tliat dainty name before ? {iniising) Oh, now I have it; my young mistress, sir. She who is dead, was wont to read a book A delicate gold-edged volume, that I'm sure Bore some such name within it; she would sit Beneath yon grape vine trellis toward the soutli (This window, sir, commands it), and for hours, Nay. days, bend o'er lier favorite pages; once She left the book behind her, and I saw Its leaves were touched witli tears. HERBERT. Where is it now ? That book your mistress loved ? Let me behold it ! JOCELYN. In sooth, sir, I have never seen it since. Or, if 1 liave [hesitutingl, it lies beyond our reach. HERBERT. What meanest thou ? JOCEEYN. I mean that while she lay Decked for her burial, wliilst I stood be- side lier, Looking my last upon her tranquil fea- tures, Tlie rolie of death was fluttered by tlie wind, A low sad wailing wind, that swept aside The drapery for a moment, and I marked The glimmer of the gold-edged pages placed Eight on her bosom! Master, you are pale. You tremble ; I have rudely touched the spring Of some deep-seated sorrow ! HERBERT. Yes, old man; A sorrow most unlike to common griefs. That pass li Ice clouds or shadows; mine is mingled With the dark lines of treachery and re- morse ; A rayless, blank eclipse, through which I wander. Accursed and hopeless ; sometimes in a vision Comes the sweet face of her I foully wronged. And stabs me with a smile! JOCELYN. Did'st wrong her. Sir ? Did'st wrong my lady ? HERBERT. Lead me to the grave ; I know 'tis near at hand. JOCELYN. The grave ! what grave ? Moreover, — if you wronged her 48 Dl^A AJA Tl SKK TVHES. llKl.MiKKl'. 1 agoiil/.o ill thoiiiiht. Ktornal Nature! If 1 w runted iK'f! She whom 1 onoo oallod " mother,'' Why (lost llidii Inmil \\w witli il '.' lion wears an aspoot oil ciirlli Callous and pitiless. 1 fain would sol\-e Willi Mi'irv Mill iH'>i.l(- tluH'.— 1 — in This torriiilo mxstory that weighs down lloll'.' in\ soni .UK Kl.VN. With niuhlinaro laneios. i,ol medio in 1 lei ee M;u!iii:iii ! [M ,U 1 . iii;i;i'.i;i; I'. (Mhxll and il 1 may not sei^ her more I am i)ol mail, my rrifiul. but only 'rhronuhall the long eternities, nor hoar Her xoiiH' of tender pardon. liM me rest \\ iciclu'il; Chu'c uiori'. 1 pray iIuh', show nu' w hoiv Next to some stream of l.ol ho. and ri>- IHise slu' sll'CllS. lUl.»l.ll*lOlllll-,>lUIlU'll>. ,i(>ri-;i.v.N. 1 Kiili r ,K>(i;i.VN. | 1 uuist t>lH\v him; this way. — follow nu\ ,1IH KI.YN. S( KM'. 11. Comi\ let ns hence I the darkness erooiis upon ns; [A lorost.- l> ill the sliail<' a s Hlonuiuont ai>iH':ns. oovoit'il willi wiUl lU iiiji'lo \\ (TS See. Sir! there's luM a spark of snnset loft iUul lOfO.-i.l In all the waning West. iiF.ur.Kirr yiJom \. ItKlil'.KIM'. 'Tis (il she shoiilil h." hurictl in this ] .laoo Well, xvhat of that ! Si) trauraiil aiul so ]>(',u't't'iil; O. my ovo! 1 lixo in darkness, — the light hnriis my 'I'hou has( i;ro\\ii duil i>t' hoarinul I max spirit. (•all It im>eks and lortnros me! llogone. I "Till I he louo ochot's shixtM' wilh thy say. iiaiiu'. \iul leaxc mo to the dismal shade tluni 'riiou wilt not hcoil mo: iliisi, ilust. dllsl fe;irest ! iiul.'.'.i: .lOCKl.YN. And thon — mort' ^lorions than inornin;;' star; .Mori" tender than tlu' lovo-light i>t' tho tho CuhhI .Sir, he eonnselled — stay not in tlu> wood : Thine eyi> is ti\nihlod, and thy visage CVl' I They toll mo thon shah riso a-, Christ's brido. ain. weary ; — 'Tis a rash venture! iii;i;ni:i;T. Sooth to say. I thank thoo-, Thoneotdd'st m>t serve long in Ihehonso- Not mino, most hoanlit'nl, yol ohan I'orohanoo 1 shall not know (hoo. or ohanoo. .;od ; l>or- 'i'ho hninan lo\i' which mado thino liko hoax on — oyos hoUl blessed P.y her n\ost mereifnl presence, and not Jlyhoaxon of hopo and worshiii — > ho lost hall eat eh ."some tenderness of tinnper; — take my In somo di\ inor splondor I all hnshod. is thanks! \'i't will 1 slay in this same dreary xxood, No smallost whispor tivmblos nontly np And xvatch until the night is oxcrpast. From tho diH>i> grave to soothe me; 'tis .UH i:i.\x. in vain Thon' It tind it lonely. THE CONiil'IRATOR. 49 iii;i;i!Ki;r. ( )li, I liiivc my lli<)U,!4lits, A stirring coiiipMiiy, ihat, never .slunibcr. .J()( Kl.VN. Wliy, worse and worse I Tv*; lieurd, sueli restless tlioiii;lils ]Mn;eiuier ;i sore sicliness iii;i:i!i:i!r. ( )1' (he niiiid : \c\ is my ease iilre:iily desperule, i'asi, liealiiiu, and pasi, comrorl. <;() liiy way. 'I'lion kind old man, llioii eanst \u)l slialie my purpose, IJut wlieu tlie last star wanes Ixd'ore the dawn, Come back; my nigid, will (hen be ovei'- past. And my wateli ended; lill lliat Imur, farewell ! rnoM Till-: cossi'ihatoh, AN UNrin!Msiiia> iii \<;i:nv. SCENE. [A garden ; Arnold De Malpas and Catharine iliscovcreil walliing slowly towanls a sumnui- lioiise in tlic disl.ince]. catiiaimm:. Alt tliou ])repared to risk all Ibis, T)e Malpas ? DIO MAI.fAS. Av! tbis, and more, it' I Itiil Ibongbt — [ll.silnrni,i\. catiiaimm:. Wbal, Arncdd'.' or; MAM' vs. If I but tbougbt tbat wbeii Ibe strife; was over, 'I'be feeble prince burled down, tin; tlirone secured, .slie, for wbose love I braved tb(» ])e(iple's bate, Maliee of rulers, and tlie beadsman's axe. Would deign to sbare witb me tbat perilous beigbt. ( A rii Ai;i\i:. Mie! Oil, 1ii(in ba>l a ladydove! in; MAI.I'A^. Cruel! Wouldsl tliou put by my passicjii tlius, Willi a feigu(Ml jest ■.' Calbarine, I stalve my all, ^lanbood's strong bopes and puiiiose, tbe lieart's wealtb, And Ibe nnmrs slori; of bard-bougbt lore, lU)' peace Of conscience, and my soid's immortal life. To lift liiee to tbe suunuit of tby wisb; (Oil! 1 liave proved ibee, and 1 know tby liiougbts). And yet, tliou feignest ignorance I CATIIAKINK. Dear De Malpas, Foi'give me I 1(4 US bot b Ibrow by tlie mask ! I bate tbe (|ueen; excn in our girlisb ouiul to thy sway fore\er! DE MAI.PAS. Speak, Bolton! what say these, my faith- ful friends. Touching my present life ? BOI.TON. Why. Master Arnold, I' sooth they're nuich divided; some as- sert. That thou art moonstruck; that some morbid fancy. Whether of love or pride, hath seized upon thee; Others, that thou hast simply lost thy trust In man and in thyself; and others still, That thou hast sunk to base, inglorious ease, l^rging th(> languid i-urrents of the blood With fii'ry spurs of sense; a few there a"'e. Few. but most: faithful, who at dead of night In secret conclave, M'ith low-whispered words And pallid faces glancing back aghast. Speak of a monstrous wrong, which thou DE MALPAS. [Starting up, and seisin;/ Bolton.] Unhappy wretch! therein thou speak'st thy doom! That prying, curious spirit is thy fate. {Stabs him sudden I;/.] Did I not warn thee of it '? P.OI.TOX. Oh! 1 die! Yet my soul swells and lightens; all the future Flashes before me like a revelation. Arnold Ue Malpas! thou shalt gain thine end ! The aged king shall fall, the throne be thine ! But, as thou goest to claim it, as thy foot Presses the royal dais (mark my words) ! A bolt shall fall from heaven, sudden, swift, Even as thy blow on me. thoirlt writhe i' the dust, Down-trodd(Mi by the hostile heel of thousands. EXPERIENCE IN FOVERTY. 51 Whilst she, for whom Ihou'st turned L'oiisi)ir;itor, Siiiiliiijr, shall gazi' from out her piiluce doors, And wave her hroiilered scarf, and j(^in the music Of her low witching laughter to the sneers Of courtly parasites; '' De Malpas bore Tlis honors Ijravely, did he not, my Icjrds '.' Now, by our lady, 'tis a grievous fall! " *' Yet jiride, thou know'st, sweet (,'atha- rine,"" — "Ay, ay, ay! " Prithee, Francisco, wilt thou dance to- night t"' DE MA 1,1' AS. What, fool ! wilt prate forever ? Hence, I say. And entertain the devil with thy dream- ings ! [stabs him ac/diii.] DK MALPAS. Thou liast been to court, Bernaldi, hast thou not ? i!i:i:.\Ai,i)i. Ay! all the forenoon ! UK MALPAS. Didst tliou see the lady, Catharine of Savoy, whose miraculous beauty Hath set all Spain aflame ? BKltXALDI. I did. my cousin. But, I am bold to speak it, liked her not; Iler beauty is the beauty of the serpent. Masking a i)oisonous spirit; there's no depth Of womanly nature in her gleaming eyes. Falsest when most they flatter; men have said She owns the Borgia's blood; I know not that. But, by St. Mark ! she owns their temper, cousin! EXPERIENCE IN POVERTY. A. How bitterly you speak! li. 1 hav(^ good warrant. ^1. Well, for my part, I hold your creed is false, Uncharitable, monstrous! I have seen The world, sir; studied mem and man- ners in it; And though no doubt some selfishness and craft May evermore be found by those who seek them. Peering too closely underneath tlu; mask Of midtiform conventions, yet, by heaven. The world's a fair, good, reasonable world To all who follow reason! Yoiu- high fancies. Whose goal is vague impossibility, Of course must miss their mark ! We live not, sir, In Etlen, or the golden age. B. l!iglit! right! You talk as is most natural in one To whom all life hath been a gay pai'ade, A frolic pastime! — to whom subth; for- tune Hath never turneity ; Dark days, and maddening midnigiits, and the pang Of outraged feeling, and the souTs de- spair: Ay! wait, 1 say, until from dejiths like these. The lonely thunder growling overhead. And misery like a cataract raging round Your path of ruin, wild and desperate eyes Are lifted to the sunnnits of past hope, Iveceding ever with their shows of joy, TiCss real than the mirage, or the domes \\'hieh sunset buikls on clouds of phan- tasy! Wait till the fiend that's born of fanushed hours Shall urasp vour hand in bonv fellow- ship; And lead you through the mist of ghastly dreams, ll(>lpless ami tottering, to the brink of death! Ha! lia ! xou sluink! the picture does nt)t please Your dainty fancy! Well, soft optimist, Confess there's somewhat you have still to learn Of this same fair, good, reasonable world ! IJetwecu extremes; avoid the spend- thrift's folly As you'd avoid tlie road of utter ruin; For wealth, or at llse least, fair compe- tence. Is honor, ci)mfort. hope, and sclf-rcsiu'ct; All. in a word, that makes our human lib' Endurable, if not happy: scorn the cant Of sentimental Dives, wrapped in pur- pie. Who o\ei- JcMvelled wine-i'ups and rich fare. Affects to lloul his i^old. and prattles loosely Of sweet content that's found iniHnt>rty: As for the miser, he's a madman simply, One who the means of all enjoyment holds. Yet never dares enjoy: no, no. Anselmo, Use with a prudent, but still liberal hand That store the gods have given you : thus, my friend, 'Twixt the Oharybdis of a churlish mean- ness. And the swift Scylla of improvident waste. You'll steer your bark o'er smooth, in- nocuous seas. And reach at last a peaceful anchorage. THE TIH'E rUlLOSOPHY. I'd have you use a wise philosophy. In this, as in all matters, whereupon Judgment may freely act; truth ever lies LOVE'S C A I' i; ICES. CoJiE, swcetheail. hear me! I have loved I lice w<'ll. God kuoweth. Thri'U^h all these years my holiest tboimhts. Like those pure doves luirtured in an- ti(|ue tcmiiles. Have tlnttered ever round thine image fair. And found in thee their shrine. Xo lenderest hoi>e Of mine, which hath not warmed its radiaiU wings Within that heaven, thy presence, and drank strength I And snushine from it. LOVE'S CAPRICES. 53 How hast thou responded? Tli;i t all my soul was flooded with its joy. SonietiiiU'S Ihiiic eyes, like Eden gales Am 1, melhouLilit, i)i'eiithed as immor- unclosed. tals hreathe. Would pour such heains of sacred pas- A ( eathless li-li! and ether. Then, sion down, when most I, bear me ! ' I dreamed me luippy. a strange eliauge would come. Sudden as strange; some wind of cold caprice, Blowing,! knew not whence, an icy cloud Upbore, and o'er the splendor of thy brow. Of late so frankly beautiful, there hung Ominous shadows, crossed by gleams of scorn : Trifles as slight as eider-down have power To move or sting thee, and a swarm of humors, Gentlered of morbid fancy, buzz and hiss f)4 DUAMA TIC HKJ^TVJIES. AliOlll soiUi' \Mt';in( I'hllinbiMN of Iliy ininil, 1>\ iiil<- ilu>ii:'.li|s 1('|'( oiu'ii, iu:iUin,i; IJu.lo (lisi'or.l. \\!u>r.\ il' lirall liliil will lliUl ^\\.i\ , .\nm>ls. luM'i'hnuco, iui:;li( lit'l i'i>lt>sli;il voioosi l.o\<\ li>\.', ilioii wroui'/si ihysoli'. nnd lli.'U swoiM UiUiiro. Swoot ill ihtM'oiv. for all siuli sni.ill do- Wht'iow ith kii\(l hi-axcu oiulowoil llnv; vol. luMViin^I ruprico. (houiil) t'nul its shjil'ls. a poi- soiioti hai'l* ilath liouihl on 0!U'1\: Ihoir points .nt* sharp lo womul, Auii iho \\i>imiis ranklol (iiauts yivat as 1 ,o\o lIa\o |uM'isho(l luoroly of an iiisool's viM\oni. Auil \\l»o il>rou;_:l> all (ioii's nuiM-rso oaii lou-'h l.ovo's pulsoloss hoarl lo waiiulh and lifo aiiai'i? Who fools (In-oiiuli (l(Misosl niidniulil, in*\l his ow n. 'Plio lovinu' Ihioh of a kind falhoi's hoarl. I'lniNO. 'n\id tho ooiuplox and unu\nn- hoivd oivoils Whioh nuvl and jostlo on this mortal soono. And soniotinios lijiht <"• Voutiti)U't\ I poivoivo Son\oj>ivo>onssoodof trnthonnohlincall: KuousoiU it may lu\ liko tho n>un\t)i\"s whoa I. l.vvkod in doavl fornis. \ot waiting l>»it a hroath ».>f hoi\ost air. an inoh of m holosou\o soil. To hloom and tlourish hoavonwanl; thotvfoiv. frioiul. NValk hand in haiid with oloar-oyod (M\arily. And Faith suhlin\o. though s.iiuiilo. like a child's. 77//; rxnri:s III I'v ()/•• (;i;ii:r. I liUANr yon ilial o\n' falo is ti>rrihlo. r»itlor as oall. \\ hai thon? Will 1am- oui.il ion, Childisli ooniplainl. o\ crlasi ii\^' w.iiliniis. tiriof. groans, dospair. holp lo aniond onr doom".' tilan.'o o'or Iho woild llio world is full of pain Akin to onrs. If son\o dark spjiii tonohod Onr vision lo miraonlons oloarnoss. siiihls Would moot onr o\os. at whioh tlu< ooM- ost hoarl Might woop hlood-loars; thoro's ni)t ;i momonl p.issos Whioh doth not hoar its load of agonios Onl to tho dim Klornity hoyond: Tho i>rimal onrso of oaith. will) hoavior w oight . lVsoonds(mspooial viotin\s: vol. holhink yi>n. All sorrow hath its honnds, o'or whioh thoro stands That friond i>f misory. gonllo-hoartod IValh. Hahns of oMivion holds ho. and tho ri'alm Whoroin ho rnlos haih n\nrn>nrons oavos i>f sloop. Tin: rKXirhxr, Tnof soo'si von woman with tho grav*' \u>lisso l.inod with dark saMos ? Is sho not do- vont ? I lor vsoiil is in tho sorvioo. and hor oyos Aiv dim with wooi>ing. — wooping tor tho folUos ni<:\\.\i;i> ()!<' I''I('ilis Wllirli lc||i)\\ri| ill \\^ lr:iiii; llir icorcH itl' Imcrs l)c;ic| iiim, or iiiiiii'iiil oil'; lln- roll!, lln' Joiisl , TIk! swcfi IliilfilioriH, iiiciiy cjiniiviili, Ami — (oh ! MiipifriicMl, iiicmoiy of ;ill I) — Till! hiunlcil -icirMiJiilcrH 'ii<';il.li llir, ia( (ice, (,ifl,iii;( tilt' voice of |;;iMHioii ill I.Ik! iii)^li(, : AikI oiii! iiiiioii;^ l,li(! iiiiiisli'i'lH loved lier well, lilll liilii she l;ill^lier| lo seoill, Ilis lie.'Ul, w;is liven; She li'iuii|ilei| on Ihe piiresl, pe/ul of love, And I'ithl. it. lo iIm- do^n; well, ^iod is JnMt, ! SheHeoriieij his n;i,ered f^ifl, ;iiii| so iiiiihI, walk, lleiirrd'oilh ii loiiely vvoiiiaii on Ihe e;ulli! DltlMMIC llt.Mi.MI.X'i: \Vk irii^lil, have heen ! ah, yes! we niif^hl, iiave been Among the laiirelled noldemen <;f tlioii;^lit,, Who lifl, I heir M|ii'f;je,s vvilli IlK-m an I hey elimli To dealhleiH empire, ill ihe, icallii of I'lil, Mome dark power — we, will nol, eall il. Kale — We dare nol. eall il. I'rovidenee — hath seized The helm of our hiraiige deHlinieH, an bards Each worshii)ped. and what jovial laugh- ter shook The Hying night-winds, when our graver 1 looks Were cast aside, and he an artful mimic, A filmed rm-oittcnr. many a liumorous scene Enacted with such raciness of wit Despair itself had checked its tears — to smile; In l)i-ief, liy every wile a man I'oukl use To knit his fellow's heart-strings to his own, He made me love him! other friends were gone Forlornly mouldering in far churchyard shades And therefore — nndivided, ardent, sure. Affection centred all its warmths on him! And now, when wholly his. I would have dared For him all danger (you will scarce be- lieve it). But suddenly, as sometimes on calm seas. The watcher from some lonely headland views A gallant liark sink swiftly in the deep. Dissolving like a vision — thus his friend- ship. Its glittering flags of promise flaunting still' The trampiil sunlight, sunk before mine eyes And left me gazing like a man distraught Across the mocking solitude! n. What more ? A. "What more? Why, truly, sir, the tale is done. 'Twas a sharp close, I grant you, to a dream Which rose so fairly; yet there's comfort in't! />. Comfort ! .1. Ay. ay! rare comfort in the thought That tho" my years should reach the utmost verge Of mortal life, I sliall not dream again! 58 DRAMATIC SKETCHES. But pshaw! push on the bottle, 'tis the last Of a full bin that constant friend of mine, That lo3'al, noble, pure .Samaritan, Gave me, Avitli vows of everduring love, Three months ago at Christmas I Stay, a toast : "Fair health, long life, immortal honor crown The man who's constant only to — him- self!"' MORALS OF DESrERATIOX. The man who's wholly ruined, sir, fears nothing: How can he when all's lost to him al- ready ? There is a desperate gayety v.iiich comes To buoy one up in such a strait as this; Under whose spell, it is a sort of witch- craft. Men lose all sense of wrong, or rather take "Wrong for their riglit, rejoicing even in crime. Faith, now. Fd hiwdly answer for my- self. If in some garden solitude, like this, sir. At the hour of midniglil (hark! the deep clnu-ch tower Is tolling twelve), luiply I chanced to meet A pompous millionaire, a man who stag- gers Under his golden biu'den, like a ship Reeling 'neath too uuich canvass; I should ease My laboring couu-ade. thus ami thus, of all His glittering superfluities; this ring Is a brave diamond, and will serve me bravely : And ha ! by Pluto ! what a massive chain Meanders like a miniature Pactolus Across your worship's vest; my lord, no wonder You grow asthmatic with a weight like that Pressed on your gasping lungs; I'll free you from it ; And blessed saints ! but here's a fair-knit purse. And fairly filled, too! Shame it were in sooth To keep this gift of your sweet para- mour. Therefore, behold me! I pour out this coin; O Jesu! what rich nuisic! but tlie purse Duly return you! haste, your worship. haste. I Or else these itching palms will iind fresh I work I About your silken doublet, and bright i " hose. Or those trussed points you needs nuist clasp with jewels; Ay, haste, and take you comfort in the text Which the wise Messer SalvatoreDuomo Dins in our ears each sacred Sabbath morning. That ••lilessed, three times blessed, are the poor! '' THE ( OXDEMXE/). As in those lauds of mighty mountain heights. The streams, by sudden tempests over- charged. Sweep down the slopes, beaiiug swift iiiin with them. So 1 and all my fortunes were engulf'd In sudden, swift, complete destruction; The morning found me happy, rich, contented. But ere the sunset that black ruin came. And stared me in the face. Sir. I had reach'd A stage of middle life, when chains of habit THE CONDEMNED- 59 Cannot be 1)roken, save by giant Broken, amazed despondent. What AvrencheSi had I. When to be rudely hurled from llfe-louij; A scholar, reckue , dreamer, thou niay'st grooves say. Of thought and progress, leaves the In common with the work-day world of staunchest mind men ? "Almighty Kature, the tirst law of God, Perforce I followed." Yet, goaded on by fierce necessity, I sought work in the crowded haunts of cities, Thinking to draw on knowledge as a l)ank, Exhaust less, opulent, wherel)y all needs. Not born of random, loose extrava- gance, Would be assuredly answered. Ah! poor fool : Too soon experience clove the shining mist Of hopeful fantasy, and like a wind, Sidlen at first and slow, but raised ere long To tempest-madness, rent the veil away (U) D UA MA 1 1 C >S A' A' l \ 'UK S. O'lM- whicli ;i shM'l liliu" mclaiu'lioly lu'a\i'U (ilan'il on inc. liko a iiiockiu^- I'Vc in il.'aMi: 'I'liiMi caiin' liy luni ini->niisi. ilospon- .I.Mir.'. iliva.l. Ami la-l, ili'-pair. w illi IVi'H/n ; the bi'uto illNl ilH'l--, 'I'lial sU'cp liki- lii^i'is, JmiLiUHl. in llir WIo>h1, Willi iiali' or painiHT.'il IhuTu'-^, al iho si ins;' (>r ioalhsonu' I'aniino, woke, and ra^inl auil loif, 'I'ill ( onsficnri', w 1u>m' tail- seal is in iho sonl. Till lu>aM>n. wliosc tlccp lil\> is in llio I'lain, Lay siloiil. lunnliMtil. A nuMv animal tiling — Ilyoua, liutT, wolf — \\liatt'\'r thou w ill — I soi/.otl my lu'cy ami rcni ii. W'iiat lo mo Tlu' roH>i'l<-\ lii;n\i'n;s of your juc^lini;' laws:' "Nature w iili t'onutlcss I'lamorous toujiuos t'lioii out, '' 'rhouliuuji'oivst, (Host; snatih thy ftnnl from fa to, Thiuiuh 't\\i\t thoo ami tlio lil'o-suslain- inu' lu'oail A huudrod slook. sii\ooiii. snooring- ty- rants stand Lauuhinsi' to sooru tliino untold aconiosi" Almiiihty Natiuv, tho liist law of (Jod. IVrforoo I follow od; iho falso oodos (>f u\an roifon'o 1 Inoko. And so, for this, for thh. ]\laii's law that fain would run a tilt at Cod. Its inn\y woapon shivoring liko a rood, HJainst tho i;roat Imssos of .lohovah's luioklor. Appoints mo doath. W.'ll, woU. 1 foar not doath. Trusting that doath, poivhaiioo, is biit a ni^ht Shorn of all morrow , a U)n,ii, droandoss slumlior, O"or wliioli tho auos, hoar and solomn nnrsos, (haul ihoir majostio hdlabios, that hold Spoils of ohlixiou; I'ithor thus, or I, N\ lioso lifo-suu roso in shadow, sots in blood. Siiall lind a uoblor bcim;' in somo star T'oyoud tho sihory I'loiads. l''riond, thy hand ; Alono of all oarlh's oroaluros do 1 lo\ft tlu'o: Tln'o, and iho liillo soft-oyod, ponsivo ohild. Thy fairy dauiihlor. Stranu'ol bntwhon "l drink Liiiht from tho founts of hor lari;o, sori- ous oyi's, I soom to noar a tiomblim;', spiritual 'I'o thrill upon iho utmost vorgo and brink Of mystio io\ olations. Trilhoo. thoi^o- foro. Ihing tho fair ohild onoo nioro: 1 yoarii to carry Tho dro.uu of hor swoot. i>itifnl. an>;or"s faoo. Vo ohoor tho roahn of shadows. Will she oonio ".* .i.v/7/'.i/7//a;.^. l.oxT. is no prodnot of tho obodiont will. It hath its root in thoso doop synipa- thios. ^loro tios of blood aro poworloss to oon- trol; 1 lovo thoo not booanso around thy heart An Arotio nature hath built up tho ioo l>f thawloss winter: vain it is to strive Aiiainst tho law of just antipathies: The Tropio sunlight burns not at tho Polos. Xor blooms tho lustrous foliage of the Hast MIS (JONS 7 11 1 ' ("I' I u N. 01 Allioiin tin' Idrky, si i iiiii-1miiiiiiI I Irliiiilcs ; To all my i;o(ls llioii ail aiilipodal, Tlii'icluiT, ii^iiiii, gDoil sii! I love llicc; not. .viscoxsrnccriox. Iluw man iiiiNjiHlLCi's maul llir oiilward scciiiiiii;, Gesture, or glance, oi' iilln-anrr ihal, may vVgiiiiist si)m<' pelly, pamiiered, i)oorcon- rril, nn\voflli\, iin(lr|iiii.||, is straightway made 'I'o pf()\'c a, vast ()l)li(piily of soul, Ami shallow (lispiilanls, willi poiidei'oii.s show <»r JMilL^'lneiil Ihal provokrs Ihc wise, to scorn, Kxhort I he virluoiis hy I he i'oiil al)U.Sjji/>)(s(/)(i' /'iirii/l." 'My Mother-laud! thou werL the fifsl to lllng Thy vh\!;in flag of freedom to the hreeze. The lirst to front along thy neighboring seas. The linperiotis foeman's power; Btit long before that hour, WTiile yet, in false and vain imagining. Thy sister nations would not own their foe. And tm-ned to jest thy warnings, though the low, Portentous miitterings, that precede the throii Of eartlKinakes, biu'dened all the oniin- otis air; While! yet they paused in scorn, Of fatal madness born, Thou, oh, my mother! like a priestess ])iess'(l With wondrous vision of the things to come, Thou coiddst not calmly rest Secure and dumb — But from tliy Ijorders, with the sounds of drum And trumpet rose the warrior-call, — (A voice to thrill, to startle, to appall !) — "Prepare .' the time grows ripe to meet our doom!" Thy careless sisters frowned, or mocking said : " We see no threatening tempest over- head, (^nly a few pale clouds, the west wind's breath Will sweep away, or melt in wateiy death." '' Prepare .' t]ic lime (jrow.s ripe to meet our (loom I " Alas! it was not till the thtmder-booni Of shell and camion shocked the vernal day. Which shone o'er Charleston Bay,* 'I'hat startled, roused, the last scale fallen away From blinded eyes, our South, erect and proud, Fronted the isstte, and, though lulled too long. Felt her great spirit nerved, her iiatriot valor strong. Death ! What of death ? — Can he who once drew honorable breath In liberty's pure sphere, F'oster a sensual fear, Wlum death and slavery meet liim face to face, * Fort Sumter, >Iarpli, 1m;i. (iCt r()/:.]/s or r/i/-: ir.i/;. S;i\ iuii:: " Chooso Ihou botwoon us; hoiv. W'liirli follows iKilriol marlyrdom, ami ihoro, l>l;u'U iloiirailation, hauulctl bv (lcsi>alr." riu'MTN lliouulil biiniis bliisbi's to tbc .•lu-.'k! I bcai- all "rouml about nio imiiumi's run. Hot luuriuius. but soou uuMi^iuL;' iulo one ~~^«iul-stii'riu^ utiorain'c — hatUI iln> poo- ,.lo>,H.ak: ■ Our ooursi" is ri;ilUtH>iis. ami our aims a IV just I lU>Iiolii. wo sook Not uvoroly \o pivsorvo for uoblo w ivos 'Pho virtuous prido of unpolhuoil livos. 'l\> sbioM oiu- (lau^'btors froui Lbo st>rvilo baud. Auil loavo our soits tboir lioiiloom of ootuiuaiul. Ill gouorous iiornotuity of trust ; Not lUily to dofouil thoso jtuoiont laws. Wbioh Saxon sttu-ilinoss ami Noruiau lii-o Woiiloil fi>io\ oianofo witb fiooiiout's oauso. Ami bauilotl soatliloss ilow ii fi'oiu siro to siiv — Xor vol our ,iiiai\d ivligiou, ami our ("lu-ist. rnsoilod by sooular l>atos, or sordid barms, (Tbouiili tboso l\ad suro sutViood 'I'o nrsi'o tho fooblost Sybarito to arms) — Hut uioro tbau all. bi'oauso ombraoing all. Kusuriu?: all. solf -iiovoriimoui. tlio boon Our patriot siatosutou strovo to win ami kooi>. From prosoiont Piuokuoy and tbo w iso Oalboun To biiu. tbal liallani kuigbt. Vbv' vouuiiost obauipiou in tho So"»ato ball. Who. lod aud jjuardod by a hiuiiuoufc fate. His armor. Couram'. aud '''^ war-liorso. i;i-lit. Daiod ibrouiib tlu> lists of i'lo(|Uouoo to sw.'op Against tbo proud IJois (Juilboi-t of ilo- balo!* •■ Tboro's not a lono from om llio ii-cm- iug past, Tpliftod ouoo in smli a oauso as ours. Wbioh doos ttot smilo our souls In long rov(>rborating tbuudor-rolls. From tbo far mountain-stoops of aitoiout sior\. Al>ov(> tbo sboutiug. furious I'orsian mass. Millions arra\ od in pomi> o\' OrioiU powors. Kings iln' wild war-ory of l.ooniilas FiiK in bis rtiggod fortivss of tbo rook; And o"(M- tbo iiturninrous soas, Oompaoi of boro-t'aitli and ])atriot bliss [V'ov oom|uosl orowns lbo Atboniau's bopo at lasM. Como lbo oloaraooonts of Miliiados. .Minglod with tdioors tbat drown lbo battio-sbook l>osid<' ilu" wavo-wasbod strand of Sala- mis. ■• Wboro'or on oartb tbo solf-dovotod ln>art Uatb boon by wortby doods <>xaltod tliiis. Wo look bilioii." ill lS;i;.', ODE. 67 Wliy paiisi! rir faltfjr? — tliat red lid*; shall licar 'I'ln; ark lliat lioMs (iiii'.sliriiii"! LIk; liruvitry iiiul Hacriticcw ol Ui . Holllil.TK of tll<; South.] With bayonets slantc-d in the glittiMing liglit, With solemn roll of drums, Witli star-lit banners I'ustling wings of might, The knightly concoursals clash, and the shrill trum- pets blare, And Death, like some grim i/iowr-r on the plain, Tojjperl by the ripened grain, Whets his keen scythe, and shakes it fearfully! 68 FOEMS OF THE WAR. Our serried lines nuneh sternly to the Had fallen, — fallen in the terrible front, van, — Where decked as if they rose to eelebrate Like wine the life-streams ran; A joyous festal morn, "IJack! back!" cried one (it was the In glistening- pomp and splendid bla- voice of Bee, zoiiiy. Lifted in wrath and bitter agony). Slow moving as in scorn '■ AVe're driven backward! " unto whom or those weak hauils that guard the pass there came below. An answer, like the rush of st<>ady llame, Come gorgeous. Hushed and proud, the 'Twixt ribs of iron, " We will give them cohorts of the foe 1 yet The bayonet! They wheel! dt'ploy, are stationed, down The sharji edge of the Southern bayo- the cleft net !"■ Of the lonu' uorge their signal thun- At which the other's face flushed up, ders lun ' and caught A sullen answer echoes from our left Liglit like a warrior-angel's, and he And the great fight's begun! sprang O! who shall picture the immortal To tlie front rank, while swift as pas- fray ■) sionate thought Our .Southern host that day Leaped forth his sword, and this high IJrcasted the onset of the invading sea summons rang: With wills of adamant: but stern- " See! see! where tixed and grand. wcighti'd strength. Ijike a stone wall the braves of Jacksou Like waves liy some infernal alchemy stand ! Hardened, transformed to solid metal, Forward!'' and on he rushed with burning (piivering l)reath. At white heat as they struck, and aye On to his Spartan death! returnino; Hotter and more resistless than before Unceasing still potued down the fateful (All flecked atop with foam of Inunan tide. gore), And ]>luincd victory ever seemed to ride Pierced here and there our crumbling O'er the red bilU>ws of the northlaud ranks at length. war! Which as a mountain shore. AVhen faint and far. Kock-ribbed ami irt)n founded, still had Far on our left there rose a souiid that stood. thrilled And outward hurled All souls, and even the battle's thunder- In bloody siirayings. that tremendous ous pulse flood (Or so we deemed) for briefest sjiace Which, with wild charge ami furious was stilled : brunt on brunt. A sound, low hissing as a meteor-star, Had dashed against ns like a fiery world! But gathering depth of volume, till it burst Inceasing still poured on the fateful In one great tlamelike cheer, tide. TJiat seemed to rend and lift the cloud And plumed yictory ever seemed to ride accurst , On the red billows of the northkuid war! The poisonous-clinging cloud Our glory and pride That wrajiped us in its shroud, ODE. 69 While wounded men leaped on tlieirfeet to hear, And dylni; men upraised their eyes to S(^e How on the conlliefs lowering eanopy, Dawned the first rainbow hues of vic- tory ! Have you watehed the condor leap From liis proud Andean rock, And with hurtling pinions sweep On the valley-pasturing flock "? Have you watehed an eygrc! vast On the rude ,Septend)er blast IJoll adown with curved crest O'er the low sands of the West ? O! thus and thus they came (Four thousand men and more), Hearts, faces, — all aflame. And the grandeur of their wrath Whirled the tyrant from their path As the frightened rack is driven By the unleashed winds in heaven; Then, maddened, tossed about In a reckless, hopeless rout, The Xorthern ai-my fled O'er their dying and their dead, And the .Southern steel flashed ottt. And their vengeful points were red With the hot heart's tide that flowed Where they sabred as they rode! And the news sped on apace (Wh(»re th(! Rulers, in their place, Sat jubilant, one and all), Till a shadow seemed to fall liouud their joyance lik(^ a pall, And the inmost senate-hall Pealed an (icho of disgrace ! At the set of July's sun They stood quivering and undone, For the eagle standards waned and the Southern "stars" had won! Thus loomed serene and large Upon that desperate contest's lurid marge Our orb of destiny; millions of hearts Throb with l)old exultation. Tip t'

-o s'prts From mountain fastness, and from wav- ing ])lain. From wooded swamj) and mist-encircled main, Fi'om handet, city, field, And the rich midland weald. The spirit of the antique hero time; ! O ! 'twas a sight sublime To watch tlu( upheaval of tli(> popular sovd, The stormy gathering, — the majestic roll Upwai'd of its wild forces, by the awe Of Kight and Justice steadied into law! P'aith lent our cause its heavenly conse- cration ! Hopi! its omnipotent might ! And Fame stood ready, with her (lowers of light. To crown alike the living and the dead. While in the broadening firmament o'er- head We seemed to read the fiat of our fate, '■ Y(^ are baptized, — a Ts^'ation ! Amongst the freest, free, — amongst the mightiest, great! " An ominous hush! and then the scat- tered clouds In the dark northern heaven (Clouds of a deadlier strife). Urged by the poison wind Of rage and rapine, stillenly com- bined. Charged with the bolts of ruin! what were shrouds. Crimsoned with gore ? the widowed spirit riven ? The desecration of God's gift of life, To that one tliought (three fiery strands uniting. Hot from a Iladean loom). ■' r!onquest ! "' " Kevenge ! " Suprema- cy?" The blighting Of untold promises, the grief, the gloom, The desolate madness and the anguish blind. All spreading on and on From uuirdered sire to subjugated son. Were less than nothing to the arrogant 70 I'Oh'MS OF ■nil-: WM!. ^\ liicli liciilics, conipaots, lioimr. hiws (Irli.'.l. And Miiin'il ;i1hi\(' ;!ir w recks ol' Iciupli' and lower To I'ear (lie symbols of its luereiless power! iMinr deadly years we foimlil, Itinued liy a girdle of inifalleriuii,- liri'. Thai coiled and hissed in K-sseninu cir- cles niii'luT. lUood dyed llu>Sonthern wave; From ocean bordin- to calm inland ri\er. Ther(>wasno ikuisc, no peace.no n-spile ever, lilood of our hravesi hrav(> Drenched in a scarlet, rain the western lea. .Swelled the hoarse waters of the 'iVnnes- S(>(\ Incarnadined the !;ull's. the lakos, tho rills. Ami froni ;i luuulrod hills Stoamoil ill a mist of slaii,i;htor to the skios, Shutting all hope of licavtMi from mortal oyes. The r>eanfort hlooms were withered on the stem; Tlu> fair gulf city in a single night Lost, her imporial diadeu); And whorosoe'or luon's Ironhled visitui sought. They viewed Micur towering o'er llu^ humbled crest of iJUiiiT! Unl f(u- a time, but for a lime. () Cod! 'i'ho innate forces of owv knightly blood UallitHl, and by the nu>unl. the fen. the Hood. Upraised the tottering standards of our raoc. OgroiKl Virginia! tliongli thy glittering glaive Lies sullied, shalbMvd in a ruthless grave. How it flushed once! They dug their | (ronchos deep (The implacalije foe). Iliey ranged their lines (if \\ ralh : I'-ul watchful e\cr on the inuniuenl path Thy steel-clad -cuius stood; North. S.iiiiii. l''.asl. Wesi. — they strove to pierce thy shield ; 'I'liini iroiilil'sl iidl ii'idil! I'lUil. — uncoui|Uei-c(l. vea. uncou(|Uered still. Nature's weakened forces answered uol thy will. And gored witii wound on wound. Thy fainting limbs and foreiiead soui;hl the ground ; Ami with thee the vouni;- nation fell, a pail Solenni and rayless. co\criug one am. all' (hnl's ways art' niar\ellous; here we stand to-day Discrowned, and shorn, in w ildesi dis- array. The mock <>f earth ! yet uevci' shone the sni; On sterner deeds, or nobler \iclories won. Not in the licld aU)ne; ah. come with me To the dim bixouac by the winlei'"s sea; .Mark the fair sous oi courtly mothers crouch O'er tlickering tires, hut gallant still, and gay .\s on simu> brighi parade; oi- mark the eoui'h In reeking hospitals, w here(m is laid The latest scion of a lino iierchaucc. Whose veins were royal; close your blurred ronnnce. r>lurred by the dropping of a maudlin tear. .\nd watch ihe manhood here; That lirm luil ilelicato countenance. Distorted sometimes by an awful pang. r>orn in meek patience; when the trum- pets rang "To horse!" inU yestei'-moru. that ar- dent boy CHARLESTON. 71 .Sijnnis tohisoliargor, thrilled wilii liope anil joy To the very liii.u;or-tips. ami iiow lie lies, 'i'lic shallows (Iccpciiiiii; in those falcon (■yes. ihit ealiii ami nmlisniayed. As it' Ihe dealli Ihal chills him, hrowand l)reasl, W'oiv some fond hride who whispered, "• Jjcl us I'esM " EnoULch 1 'tis over! the last gleam of hope Hath melted from our moiiniful horo- .scojie. Of all, of all hereft, Only to us are left. (_)ur liui'ied heroes and their matchless deeds; These cannot pass; they hold the, vital seeds Which in some fai'. untracked, un- visioneil hoiu' May ])urst to vivid hud ami i^lorious flower, ^leanwhile, upon the nation's hro- ken heart ller martyrs sleep. O'- dciarer far to her, Than if each son, awreathc'd coiKpieror, Iiode in triumphant state The loftiest crest of fate ; O! dearer far, because outcast and low. She yearns above them in her awful woe. One si)rin.<; its tender blooms Hath lavished richly hy those hallowed tondis; One summer its iinix'rial largess spread .\long our heroes' bed; One autumn wailing with funereal blast, The withered leaves and pallid dust amassed All roini'l about them, till I;!eak wilder now [fangs hoar-fi'ost on the grasses, and the hough In dreai'y wooillands seems to thrill and start. Thrill to the anguish of the wind that raves Across those lonely desolated graves! CJIAHLKSTo.X. ("almi.v hesiiU^ her tropic strand. An empress, !>rave and loyal. 1 see the watchful city stand. With aspect sternly royal; She knows her mortal foe draws near. Armored by subtlest science. Vet dee]), majestical, and clear, Rings out her grand defiance. Oh, glorious is thy noble face. Lit up hy proud emotion, And unsurpassed thy stately grace. Our warrior (Jueen of Ocean! First from thy lips the summons came. Which roused our South to action. And, with the shimluTs. l.ili ilu" red torch, iiuil lighl the liro Amid Iliosc I'cu'pscs si'i'l'v. Aiul on iliy st'lf-mado runi>ral pyi'O, Ta^s I'rom tlic world to s^lorv. srr.ii;!'. A 111" ol' \(iiir luiiiiii ■• nuMinlain dow," r>\ ilu'iMiiii' tir<''> ruddy liijlit ; l.i't us driulv to a spirit as leal and tiiio As «'\<'r dr.w liladf in liulil, -^ud ilaslu'd i>ii llu" focmaii's liiu's o{ StlH'l. l''or (iiul aiul his in'i>pli'"s ti^hl. r»y hca\('!il it soonis tliat his vory nanio Kiubodios a ihouiilil »>t' tiro; Itstrikoson tl>o oar with nsousoof tlaino. And tho litV-hlood honiulcth hii^lu'r. M'hiio tl\c pulsos loap and llu- liraiii o\- pauds. In till" iilow K^i a i^i'and dosiro. Hark! in tlio day-dawn's misty gray. 0\w buglos are ringing loud. Ami hot for tho joy of a i-oniing fray, Owv souls wax lionv and ]>rond. As wo list for tho word that shall lannoh us forth. l.iko bolts from iho mountain-oloud. ^Vo list for tho word, and i; oomos at longth. In a strain so mighty and oloar. That wo riso lo tho souml with an addod stronglh. Ami our hoarts aro glad to hoar. Ami rt stir, liko tln> biwuh of tho lunliug stonu Thrills through us. frvnu van \o roar. Thou, with tho rush oi tho whirlwind frood. Wo rush, by a soorot way. Ami uiorry on sabro, and holnioi, and stood. Do Iho autumn simboams play. And ihodovil nuisl sharpon his koonosl wits. To rt'sono •" his own"" to-day. llo. yo who dwell in llu- forlilo \alos ( >f Iho pl.Msant land of Tonn, Who foasi on Iho fat o'i hor frnilfnl dalos. How liiilo yo (lioam or kon Thai Iho sonlluM\i Mnral has harod his hiaiul. Thai iho Smart ridos again. ■■('loso up, oloso upl wo have liavoUod long, Ihit a jovial night's in sloro, A night of wass^iil. and wit, and song, in yon oosy town boforo. Ijniok, sorgoani I .spur to tho front in hasto. And knook ;>l tho n>ayi>r's door." HolioKl. ho oomos with a ghost-like graoi'. And his knoo-joints out of luno; And tho oold. oold swoat runs down his faoo. r tho light of tho autumn n\oon, Whilo his husky voioo, liko an anoiont c'rono"s. IHos in a hollow oroon. llooannoi spoak; but his bnxoni danio. With iior trombling daughtors nigh. Shrioks o\\\, "Oh, honor thoir virgin tamo. Tass tho poor maidons by." (WhoroiMi. with a uriovons hoavo and sob. Sho pausod in hor spoooh — to ory.) •• Kiso upl wo loavo to tho ohurlish brood c>ur vongoanoo hath sought oro now. Tho faiuo whioh sviring"s from tho rnth- loss mi>od That orimsons a woman's bn>w; For sons aro wt> of a kimlly raoo. And bound bv a kniubllv vow. BKVOM) 'I'llF. ror<)MA(L 73 " Rise up ! wo war witli tho stroni; aloiif ; Tliero's fominj,' — (liush! (!an tliW! For wlien; was Ww cai'Jff found. ix-ar! ) — 'J'o sport with an oitli'af^i'd \\-onian"s 'I'l)ci'('"s •■oinin;^ a raiil tlial > hall drlvfj moan. tlii'Mi mad W lirn> tlif soiitlicrn ti-innjKts soimhI'.' And fovcr tliiui' land ui'li fi ai'; And you and 1, by til.- bl i;ssing of "Enough ! wliilc I speak of llx; past, my Cod, lad, Ay, you an 1 I si all i;i' there )j ■• Tliey uroHti with tli<; Kiiii, ami caught life from liis lifflit." Jl/JiO.V/J '////■: J'OTOMAC. Tjiky slf'pt on tl)f; field whieh tlieir valor liad won, But arose with the first early hlusli of the sun. For they knew that a great deed re- mained to he done. When tliey passed o'er the river. Tliey arose witli the sun, and eaught life from liis light, Those giants of eourage, tliose Anaks in hglit, Anassionate farewells ! THE SUBSTITUTE. 75 But ere ye fall dismantled, King out, deep bells! once more: Antl pour on the waves of the passing wind Tli(> sj'mi)honi('s of yore. Let tlie latest born be weleoincd By pealings glad and long. Let the latest dead in the cliurchyard bed Be laid with sok'inn song. And the l)el]s above them throbl)ing, .Sliould sound in moni'uful tone, As if. in grief tor a human death, They prophesied their own. Who says 'tis a desecration To strip the temple towers. And invest the metal of peaceful notes With death-compelling powers ? A truce to cant and folly! Our people's all at stake, Shall we heed the cry of the shallow fool. Or pause foi' tlic bigot's sake ? Then crush tlic struggling sorrow! Fccil higli your furnace fires. And mould into deep-mouthed guns of l>roii/.c, 'I'lic bells from a hundred spires. 3Iethinks no common \engeauce. No transient wai- eclipse, Will follow the awful tlumder-burst From their adamantine lips. A cause like ours is holy, And it us(>th holy things; Whik' over the storm of a righteous strife. May shine the angel's wings. AVhere'er our duty leads us, The grace of (Jod is there, And the lurid shrine of war may hold The Kucliai'ist of prayer. 77/ A' S UBS ri TU TK. [Thk crime of McNeil, perpetrated in one of our Western States, has now met with the rep- rol>ation of Christendom. 15ut at tlie time tlie following verses — cast, as the reader will perceive, in a partly dramatic mould — were composed, ten Confederates had l)een hastily exe(mtcd by order of a Federal comman\\ eve, llicy ^l;iiul aloiic on t-ailli, lU'sidc llu'ir latlicr's loiiihl '' Tlific's I'.laiicln', m\ stiioiis hrauly, lillu and tall, AVilli iu'nsi\c eyes and brow — TIu'It's Kale, I he IcinK'i'i'st darling i>l' llu'iii all. W'luisc kissi's thrill nic now! *' Tlu'ic's lit lie I tost', Ihc sunshine of our days — A li'icUy, i^ladsomc sprite — How \i\idl\ come hack her winsome w a\s. Her lanLditers, and deliulil ! "And ni\ liravt' lio\ — my Arthur! Diil his arm t^eeond his will and brain, I should not i;roan beneath this iron charm, Claspin;; my chains in \ainl '•Oh, ( 'hrisi ! and hath it come to this :' Will none AVurtloll' the iihastly <>ud ? And yet methinUs 1 heanl the voice of one Who called the old man — Kriend! '' i\lay all t h.' ciuses caught from deepest hell Liii'ht on the blood-stained knave Who lanjihs lo hear the i)at riot's funeral knell, lllaspheminn o'ei' his !;rave! "Away I Such dreams are madness! M\ pale lips Had l)esi besiei;'(> Heaven's t-ar. But in the turmoil of my mhurs oelipso. No thought, no wish is clear. '■l>e,ir fiiend, foruive me! Sorrow, frenzy, ire — My bosom's raginu' guests — Uy turn ha\ e w helmed me in theii- floods of lire. Fierce passions, swit! inu'ests. "And now. farewell! The sentry's warning hand, 'i'aps at my iirisou Iku's. We part, but not forever! 'i'luTc's a Ian. I, Conu'ade, beyond the stars!" "Veal" said the youth, and o'er his kindling face A saint-like glory came. As if some prescieid Angel, breathing gi'ace. Had touched if into (lame. fAt;t' 11. [ri.Aci;— '/'/(, siiiiu /'rinnii. t'r.KSONs — Tow- federtitf Prisoner, toj/ctlur irith Mr.Wil aiid the Jdihr.] The hours siidv slow to sunset! Sud- denly Kose a deep, gathering hum; And o'er the measured sli'ide of soldiery Iv'olled out the mutlled drum! The prisonei- started! crushed a slitling sigh, 'i'hen rose erect and proud! Sct)rn's lighlniug(|uivering in his stormy eye, "Nealli the brow's thnuder-clond I And girding round his rnnl>s and stal- wait breast I'lach iron chain and ring. He stood sublime, imperial, self-pos- Aud haughty as a king! The "dead march" wails without the prison gate I'p the calm evening sky ; \\u\ rullian jcstings, born of rutliau hate. Make loud, unmeet reply ! I ;The hired bra\ oes, w hose pitiless features pale In front of armed men, l>iu whose itiiiiiii(tHiiiioitt< courage will not (piail \\ here none c.iu strike again! BATTLE OF CHARLESTON HARBOR. 77 Tlie "dead march" wails without the Where from dim easements, black with prison wall, wrathful pride. \'\^ the eahu evening sky: Stern eyes gleam darkly down. Aiil tiiiii'd to llii'dicad di rise's rise and fall. They halted where the woodland Mii\c llic licrcc murderers by! showered aroimd Dank leaflets on the sod. They passed; and wondering at his doom And all the air seemed vocal with the deferred, sound Th(> eaplive's lofty fire Of wild appeals to God. Sanlv in his heart, by torturing memories stirred Heaped, as if common carrion, in the Of husband, and of sire! gloom, Nine mangled corpses lay — Ihu liark! the clash of l»olt and opening All speechless now — but with what door! tongues of doom The tramp of hostile lied! Reserved for judgment day. Wbfu lol upon the darkening prison lloor. And near them, but apart, one youthful <;lared tlie false hound — McXeil. And next him, like a bandog scenting foi'm Pressed a fair upland slope. O'er whose white brow a sunbeam flicker- blood. ing warm. Koused from his drunken ease, Played like a heavenly hope. The grimy, low-browed jailer glowering stood. There, with the same grand look which riankiug liis iron keys. y ester-night That face at parting wore. ••(^uick! jailer! strike yon rebel's fetters The self-made martyr in the sunset light off. Slept on his couch of gore. And let the old fool see What ransom (with a low and bitter scoff |, The sunset waned ; the wakening forest waved. What ransom sets him free." Struck by the north wind's moan. While he, whose life this matchless death As the niglit traveller in a land of foes has saved The warning instinct feels. Knelt by the corse — alone. That through the treacherous dimness and repose A shrouded horror steals. BATTLE OF CHAHLESTON HARBOR, So, at these veiled words, the captive's Apiul 7, 1863. soul .Shook with a solenm dread. Two hours, or more, beyond the prime of a blithe April day. And ghostly voices, prophesying dole. The Northmen's mailed " Invincibles" Moaned faintly overhead. steamed up fair Charleston Hay; They came in sullen file, and slow, low- llis lind)s are freed! his swarthy, scowl- breasted on the wave, ing guide Black as a midnight front of storm, and Leads through the silent town, silent as the grave. i\ POEMS OF THE WAR. A thousand warrior-lioarts beat high as those dread luonsters drew More closely to the game of death across the breezeless blue. And twice ten thousaml hearts of those who watch the scene afar, Thrill in the awful hush that bides the battle's broadening star. Each gunner, moveless by his gun, with rigid aspect stands, The reedy linstocks lirnily grasped in bold, untrembling hands, (>o moveless in their marble calm, their stern, heroic guise. They look like forms of statued stone with burning human eyes! Our banners on the oiUniost walls, with stately rustling fold. Flash back from arch and ])arapet the sunlight's ruddy gold — They nunuit to the deep roll of drums, and widely echoing cheers. And then, once nu)re. dark, breathless, hushed, wait the grim cannon- eers. Onward, in sullen file, and slow, low- gioonuug on the wave, Near, nearerstill, the haughty tleet glides silent as the grave. When shivering the portentous calm o'er startled (lood and shore. Bi-oke from the sacred Island Fort the thunder wrath of yore ! * The storm has burst ! and wlule we speak, moie furious, wilder, higher. Dart from the circling batteries a hundred tongues of fire: Tlu- waves gleam red, the lurid vault of heaven seems rent above — Fight on. oh, knightly gentlemen! for faith, and home, and love! • Fort Moultrie. There's not. in all that line of tlanie, one soul that would not rise. To seize the victor's wreath of blood, though death must give the prize ; There's not, in all this anxious crowd that throngs the ancient town, A maid who does not yearn for power to strike one foeman down! The conflict deepens! ship liy ship the proud Armada sweeps. Where fierce from ISumter's raging breast the volleyotl lightning leaps, And ship by ship, raked, overborne, 'ere burned the sunset light. Crawls in the gloom of balHed hate be- vond tlie lield of ti^ht ! CHAnLESTOy AT THE CLOSE OF 1SC3. What! still does the mother of treason nprear Her crest 'gainst the furies that darken her sea. Un(iuelled by mistrust, and unlilanched by a fear. Unbowed liei proud head, and un- bending her knee. Calm, steadfast and free! Ay! launch your red liglitnings! blas- pheme in your wrath! Shock earth, wave, and heaven with the blasts of your ire; But she seizes your death-bolts yet hot from their path. And hui-ls back your lightnings and mocks at the fire Of your fruitless desire! Ivinged round by her brave, a tierce cir- clet of flame Flashes up from the sword-points that cover her breast; She is guarded by love, and euhaloed by fame, SCENE IN A COUNTRY HOSPITAL. (9 And never, we swear, shall your foot- steps be pressed, Where her dead heroes rest. Iler voice shook the tyrant, sublime from her tongue Fell the accents of warning! a prophet- ess gran the earth. And beside her a knight the great Bayard had loved, " Without fear or reproach," lifts her banner on high; He stands in the vanguard majestic, mi- moved, And a thousand firm souls when that chieftain is nigh. Vow " 'tis easy to die!" Their words have gone forth on the fet- terless air. The world's breath is luished at the conflict! Before Gleams the l)right form of Freedom, with wreaths in her hair — And what though the chaplet be crim- soned with gor<^ — We shall prize her the more! And while Freedom lures on with her jiassionate eyes To the height of her promise, the voices of yore From the storied profound of past ages arise. And the i)ompsof their magical music outpour O'er tlu! war-beaten shore! Tlien gird youi' i)r;ive cniiiress, O heroes! with (lame Flashed up from the sword-points that cover her breast ! She is guarded by Love and enhaloed by Fame, And ui'ver, stern foe! shall your foot- steps be pressed Where her dead martyrs rest! SCENE LV A COUNTRY HOSPITAL. Here, lonely, wovnuled and apart. From out my casement's glimmering roimd, I watch the wayward bluebirds dart Across yon flowery gi'oiunl ; How sweet the prospect ! and how fair The l)almy peace of earth and air. But, lowering over fields afar, A red cloud breaks with sidphurous breath. And well I know what gory star, Is regnant in his house of death ; Yet faint the conflict's gathering roll, To the fierce tempest in my soul. I, who the foremost ranks had led, To strike for cherished home and land, Groan idly on this torturing bed. With broken frame and palsied hand, So nerveless, 'tis a task to scare. The insects fluttering round my hair. ()(JodI for one brief hour again, Of that grim joy my spirit knew. When foemen's life-blood poured like rain, And sabres flashed and trunii)i>tsl>lew! One hour to smite, or smitten die On the wild breast of victory ! 80 FOEAIS OF THE WAR. It may not be; my pulses beat Too feebly, and my beart is cbill. Deatli, like a tbiel' with stealthy feet IJi'aws nigh to work his ruthless will; Hope, Honor, (Jlory, pass me by, But he stands near with mocking eye! Ay. smooth the eouehl — pour out the drauLiht, Tlial, haitiy. for a season's space, Ilatii power to eharm his fatal shaft. And warn the death-damps off my face, A blest reprieve ! — a wondrous boon. Thank Heaven! this — all — ends with me soon. yiCKSDriiC.—A n.lLLAD. Fox; sixty days and upwards, A stoi-m of shell and shot Kained round us in a flaming shower, But still we faltered not. " If the noble city perish," Our grand young leadei- said, " Let the only walls the foe shall scale "Be ramparts of the dead!" For sixty days ami upwards. The eye of heaven waxed dim; And e'en throughout God's holy morn. O'er Christian prayer and hymn. Arose a hissiiig tunudt. As if the fiends in air Strove to engulf the voice of faith In the shrieks of their despair. There was wailing in the houses. There was trembling on the marts. While the tempest raged and thundered, 'Mid the silent thrill of hearts: But the Lord, our shield, was with us, And ere a month had sped, Om- very women walked the streets AVith scarce one throb of dread. And the little children gandjolled, Their faces purely i-aised. Just for a Mondering moment. As the huge bombs whirled and blazed. Then turned with silvery laughter To the sports which children love. Thrice-mailed in the sweet, instinctive thought That the gooil (iod watched above. Yet the hailing bolts fell faster. From scores of flame-clad ships. And about us, denser, dai'ker. Grew the conflict's wild eclipse. Till a soliil cloud closed o'er us, Like a type of doom and ire. Whence shot a thousand (pnvering longU(>s Of forked iiud vengeful lire. But the luiseen hands of angels Those death-shafts warned asiile. And the dove of heavenly mercy Ruled o'er the battle tide; In the houses ceased the wailing, And through the war-scarred marts The people strode, with step of hope, 'I'o the music in their hearts. Till-: LITTf.K WHITE GLOVE. The early springtime faintly flushed the earth. And in the woods, and by their favorite stream The fair, wild roses blossomed modestly. Above the wave that wooed them: there at eve. riiilip bad brought the woman that he loved. ,\nd told his love, and bared bis burning heart. She. Constance, — the shy simbeams trembling oft. Thl'ough dewy leaves upon her golden hail'. — Made him no answer, tapped her pretty foot. And seemed to nmse: "To-morrow I depart." Said Philip, sadly. '• for wild fields of war ; THE LITTLE WHITE GLOVE. 81 JSliall I iio i^irt Mitli lovu's invisible A soft mist tilled her eyes, and over- muil. llowed Stronger than mortal armor, or. all 111 sndden rain of passion, as she sti'ippi'd stretched Of love and hoix", march reckless unto Her delicate hand to his, and plighted death? ' troth, "Ami liy tlK'ii' l'a\ni-itc stream, Tlie fail', Willi roses blijssoiued modestly Above the wave that wooed them." With Hps more rosy than the sun-bathed flowers ; And Philip pressed the dear hand fer- vently, Wherefrom in happy mood, he .yenlly drew A small white glove, an this worthless thing you send me home. Tattered and mildewed? l^ook yon! what a I'cul, Eight through the palm! It cannot he my glove ; And look again; what horrid stain is here ? My glove; you ])laced it next your heart. and swor(> To keep it safe, and on this self-same spot, "Return it to nie on our marriage eve ; And now — and now — 1 Awiou' 'tis not my glove, — Yet Philip, sweet! it was a cruel jest. You siu'cly did not mean to fright me thus •.' For hark you! as 1 laved the loathsome thing. To see what stain deliled it —(do not smile, I feel that 1 am foolish, foolish, Phil- ip)- But, God of Heaven! I dreamed that stain was blood! '' S TOyE WA I. L J A CKS ON. TiTK fashions and the forms of men decay. The seasons perisli, the calm sunsets dic^. Ne'er ■with the xamv bright pomp of cloud or ray To flush the golden pathways of the sky; All things are lost in dread eternity, — States, empires, creeds, the lay Of master poets, even the shapes of lov(\ l>(>ar ever w ith them an iuvisilile shade. Whose name isDealh; wccannoi hicathe nor move. But that we touch the darkness, till dis- mayed, A\'e feel the imperious shadow freeze our hearts. And mortal hope grows pale ami tlutter- ing life departs. All things are lost in dread eternity. Save that majestic virtue Avhich is given Oiu'c, twice, perchance beneath our t'arthly heaven. To some great soul in ages: O! the lie. The base, incarnate lie we call the wurld. Shakes at his coming, as the forest shakes. When mouiUain storms, with bannered clouds unfiu'led. IkUsh down and rend it ; sleek ('onven- tion drops Its glittering mass, and hoary, coh- w ebbed rules Of petty charlatans or insolent fools Shrink to annihilation, — Truth awakes, A morning sjilendor in her fearless i-yes. Touching the delicate stops Of some rare lute which breathes of |iromise fair. Or pouring on tae coNcuauled air A trumpet hlast which startles, but makes strong. While ancient Wrong. Driven like a beast from his det'p-cav- erned lair. Grows gaunt, and inly iniakes. Knowing that I'etribiition draws so near! Whether w ith blade or pen 'i'i>il th(\se immortal men. Theirs is llu' light supreme, which genius we. I To a clear spiritual dower STONEWALL JACKSON. 83 llalli cxcr o'er tlic aroiisi'd nations shed .loy, faith, and power; \Viirtli('r from wrcstlini; with the god- Hk(- thoui^dit, They lanncii a noiseless blcsslm;- on mankind, ( )!■ Ihrouuh wild streams of lei'iibie cai'- nag(i bi'oni;ht. No longer crnshed and l)lind, '{'rainpled, dislu'vellcd, i;()re(l, 'liiey proudly lift, where kindling sonl and eyc! May feast upon hei- Ix'antyas slie stands ((Jirt by tjie strenglii of her invincible" bands). And freed Ihioni;]! kc(>n i-cdcmplion of till' sword, 'i'hy worn, but radiant form, xictorious Lilx'Hyl AVe bow Ix'fore this grandcuf of the spirit ; We worship, and adore God's image burning through it ever- jnore; And thus, in awed humility to-night,* As those who at some vast eathedi'al dooi' Pause with hushed faces, jun-iticd de- sires, _^ We coiitem])late liis merit. Who lifted failure to the heights of fame, And by the side of fainting, dying right. Stood, as Sir (ialaliad puic. Sir Lance- lot brave. The quick, indignant fires Flushing his \ya\v. brow from the passion- ate mind No strength eoulil qu(>]l, no sophistry could bind. Until that moment, big w itli mystic doom (Whose issue sent O'er the long wastes of liaif a, conti- nent Electric shudders tiirougli liie deepening gloom), •This Dele was originally written to be deliv- ercil before a Soutliorn patriotic association. AV'hen in his knightly glory "' Stoncnvall" fell. And all our hearts sank witli liim; forw nil veils I he future, and I see Alillions on niilHons, as year follows year, (Jather around our warrior's jilaceof rest In the jiTeen shadows of N'irginiau hills; Not with the ulow of martial hlazonry, With trump and nmlUed drum, 'IMiose pil-iiini nnllions eome, I Jul with linwed heads, and measured I'oolsteps slow, .Vs iliose who near the presence of a shrine. And feel an air di\ ine. All roiiiul alioiil iliei:i hlandly, sweetly Mow, While liU<' dreain-niusie the faint fall of rills, Lai)sinu; from sleep to steep, 'Pile wood-do\(" "plaininn- in her eovert deep. And the loui; w hisperini^'s of the j;hostly pine (Like oeeau-hreathinijs home frmn tides of sleep). With every varied melody expressed In Xature's seore of soUnnn liarmonies, IMeuds with a feidinu- in the reverent hreast Whieh iMunot find a voiee in mortal speei'h, 80 deep, so ileep it lies beyond the reach Of stammerinj^ words, — the pilgrims only know- That shnuheriu!;, OI so calmlv there, below 'I'he dewy grass, the melancdudy trees. Moulders the dust of him, l>y whose crystalline fame, earth's scar- let [lomps grow dim. The crowned heir Of two majestic immortalities. That whieh is earthly, and yet scarce of earth, "Whose fruitful seeds Were his own grand, self-sacrificing de.Hls, And that whose awful birth Flowt-red into instant perfectness sub- lime. When done with toil and time. lie shook from off the rainu'uts of his soul. The weary conllict's desecrating dust. For stern reveilles, heard the angels sing. For battle turmoils found eternal calm. Laid ilown his sinless swi)rd to clasp the palm. And where vast hea\eid\ organ-notes out roll jNIelodious thunders, "mid the rush of wing. And (lash of plume celestial, pausetl in lieaee. A rapttu'c of ineffable rtdease To kiu)w the long fruition of th(> just! SOXXKTS. I. OX I'm: (itivAi.nv of riiK im;ksk\t riMK. All! foolish souls and false! who loudly cried "True chi\alry no longer breathes in time." Loolc round us now; how wondrous, how- sublime The heroic livi's mc witness; far and w ide. Stern vows by sterner deeds are justified: Self ahnt>gation, cahnness, courage, power. Sway with a ride august, t>ur stormy hour. Wherein th-^ loftiest hearts liave wrought and died — Wrought grandly, and died smiling. Thus, oh God. From tears, and blood, and anguish, thou hast brouglit The ennobling act, the faith-sustaining thought — 'Till in the marvellous present, one may see SONNJ^TS. 85 A mighty stage, by knight and patriots trod, Wiio had not shunuiul earth's haughtiest chivalry. II. EI.TJOTT I.\ FORT SUMTi;i;. And high amongst these ohiefs ol' inju grain, Large-statured natures, souls ol' Sparlan mien, Superhly brave, inflexildy serene. Man of the stalwarl liop(!, the slceph^ss l)rain. Well dost thou guard our t'oilress by the main ! And what, tliough inch liy inch old .Sunitc'r tails, There's not a stone that forms those sacred walls, But holds a tongue, whicii shall not speak in vain ! A tongue that tells of sudi heroic mood. Such nerved endurance, such innnaculate will. That after times siiall hcar]<<'n and grow- still. With breathless admiration, ;ind on tiiee (Whose stern resolve our glorious cause made good). Confer an antique innnortalily! OUJ! MAIITYIIS. I AM sitting alone and w(>ary, By the hearth of my darkened room, And the low wind's miserere, Makes sadder the midnight gloom. "There's a nameless terror nigh me — There's a phantom sj)ell on the air. And methinks, that tlie dead glide l)y me, And the breath of tlu^ grav(;'s iu my hair!" 'Tis a vision of ghastly faces. All pallid and worn with pain, Where the splendor of manful graces Shines dim thro' a scarlet rain: — In a wild and weird procession They sweei) l)y my startled eyes, And stern with their Fate's fruition, Seem melting in blood-red skies. Have they conn; from the shores supci-- nal; Have they passed from the spirit's goai, 'Neath tlu- veil of the life eternal To dawn on my shrinking soul ? Have they turned from the choiring angels. Aghast at the woe and dearth. That- war with his dark evangels liath wi'ought in the loved of earth? Vain dicam! amid far-off mountains They lie whei'e the dew mists weep, And the munnur of mournful fountains Breathes over their painless sleep; On the breast of the lonely meadows Safe, safe, from the despot's will, They i-est in the starlit shadows, And their brows are white and still, Alas! for our heroes ]icrishcd! Cut down at their golden prime, With the luminous hopes they cherished. On the height of their faith sublime! For them is the voic(; of wailing And the sweet blush-rose departs. From the cheeks of the maidens paling O'er the wreck of theii' broken hearts. And alas! foi- the vanished glory Of a thousand household spells! And alas! for the tearful story Of the sjiirit's fond farewells! By the flood, on the field, in the forest. Our l)ravest have yielded breath, Yet the shafts that have smitten the sorest. Were laiuichcd by a viewless death. Oh, Thou! that hast charms of healing. Descend on a wi(h)we livos that lainont ami laiimiisli. Decked with dull wreaths of rue. WiMU'\V(>(l hy a touch divine. And shedding blood for tears, hands Fimu (hf (Icpllis of tiu'ir inorlal aiii;uish, waled with sears. Mav rix' lo tlic caiiii ot 'riiiuc. Lifts to the dundi, I'old stars! # Forgdtlcul Can the dancer's jocund feet /•()/.'(•■ ()7'77-.\V. Flash o'er a cliainel-vault, and maid- ens fair FouciOTTF.x ! Can it he a few swift Heud the white lustre of their eyelids rounds sweet. (>!' Time's i^i-eal cliariol wheels h;i\'e l.ove-weighed, so nigh despair. crushed lo nauulu Its ice-cold breath must fi'ce/.(> their The memory of those fearful slights and blushing brows. sounds. And hush love's trenudi>us vi)ws'.' With s|HHH'hless nusery fraught — Wlu'iTthro' we hope to i;ain the Hespe- l''orgot(cn! Xay: imt all the songs wo rian heijiht. sing- Where Freedom snules in liuhl ? Hold imder-bnrdens. wailing cluM'ds of woe; Foru-otliMi! scarce hav(> two dimauliuuus Oui' lightest laughters sound w il4i ludlow veiled ring. \\'ith merciful mist those dreary hnrial Our bright wit's freest llow. sods. Quavers to sudden silence of atfright. AVhose eiddness (when ihe hiiih-slrung Touched hy an untold blight! pulses failed. i'^'i men who strove like uods) Forgotten! No! we cannot all forget. W rapped in a sanguine fold of sonsoloss dusi I'l'ad hcarls and perished trust! Or. when we do. farewell to Honor's fac(' To Hope's swcel lendauce, \'alor's uu- i'oruoiicn ! ^^'hile in far-otV woodland pa ut ttei )t . And e\ cr\ uoblesi ( irace. .Icll. \\diich, nursed in l.ove. unght still be- Hy lonely mounlaiii tarn and nuunuu- uignl\ bloom inii stream. Al)ove a nation's tomb! in'i-ea\i'd hearts with sorrowful passion SW.'ll — Forgotten! Tlio' a llunisaud years should Their lives one ghastly dream pass. Of hojie outwearieiland betrayed desire. Methinks our air will throb with mem- And anmiish crowned wiili lire I ory's thrills. A conscious grief weigh down the falter- Fori^oitenl while our manhood cursed ing grass. w ith chains. A iKithos shroud the hills. And pilloricil high for all llic world to Waves roll lamenting, autumn sunsets \ iew . yearn Writhes in its tleree, intolerable pains. For the old time's return! LE(JENDS AND LYRICS. LEGENDS AND LYRICS. 1865-1872. DA PHLES. AX AKCilVE STORY. OxcE on the throne of Argos sat a maid, Daphles the fan-; serene and unafraid yiie ruled her realm, for the rough folk were brought To worship one they deemed divinely wrouglit In beauty and mild graeiousness of heart : Nobles and courtiers, too, espoused her part. So that the sweet young face all tlironged to see, Glanced from her throne-room's silken canopy (Broidered with leaves, and many a snow-white dove), Itoslly conscious of her people's love. Only the chief of a far frontier clan, A haughty, bold, ambitious nobleman, By law her vassal, but self-sworn to lie From subject-tithe and tribute boldly free, And scorning most this weak girl-sover- eign's reign, Xow from the mountain fastness to the plain Summoned his savage legions to the fight, — AVliereinhe lioped to wrench the imperial might From Daphles, and confirm his claim thereto. But Doracles, the insurgent chief, could know Naught of the secret charm, the subtle stress Of beauty wed to warm unselfishness. Which, in her hour of trial, wrapped the Queen Safely apart in golden air serene Of deep devotion, and fond faith of thos(^ The steadfast hearts betwixt her and her foes. The oldest courtier, schooled in state- craft guile. Some loyal fire at her entrancing smile Felt strangely kindled in his outworn soul; Far more the warrior youths her soft control ^loulded to noble deeds, till all the land, Aroused at Love's and Honor's joint command, Bristled with steel and rang with sounds of war. Still rashly trusting in his fortunate star, This arrogant thrall who fain would grasp a crown. Backed by half-barbarous hordes, marched swiftly ilown 'Twixt the hill ramparts and the West- ern Sea. First, blazing homesteads greet him, whence did flee The frightened hinds through fires them- selves had lit 'Mid the ripe grain, lest foes should reap of it; Or hei'e and there, some groups of aged folk, 90 LEGENDS AND LYRICti. Women and inon bent down beneath the yoke Of cruel years and babbHng idiot speech. "Methinks." cried Dorack's, '"our arms will reach The realm's unshielded lieart; for lol the breath. The mere hot fume of rapine and of death Which flames before our legions like a blight Withers this people's valor and their might." The lifes played shriller; the wild trumpet's blast Smote tlie great host and thrilled tliem as it passed ; While clashing shields, and spears which caught the morn. And splendid banners in strong hands upborne. And i>huned lieluis, and steeds of match- less race, Anil in the van that clear, keen eagle faci' Of Doracles, firm set on shoulders tall. Squared like a rock, and towering o'er them all. With all the pomp and swell of martial strife. Woke the burnt ])lains and bleak de- files to life. So phalanx after phalanx glittering filed Firm to the front: their haughty leader smiled To see with what a bold and buoyant air The lowliest footman marched before him there. Till bis proud head he lifted to the sun. And his heart leaped as at a victoiy won That self-same liour, o'er which bright- hovering shone The steadfast image of an Ivory throne. But the Queen's host by skilful cham- pions led. Its powers meanwhile concentred to a head, Lay, an embattled force with wary eye, Keaily to ward or strike whene'er the cry Of coming foemen on their ears should fall. Nigh the huge towers which guard the capital. Not long I heir watch: one bluff October day. There I'ose a blare of trumpets far away. And sound of thronging hoofs whicli nnifUed came. Borne on the wind, like the dull noise of flame Half stifled in dense woodlands; then the wings Of the (i)ueen's host, as each swift section flings The imperial banner proudly fluttering out. Spread from the royal centre. Hark I a shout. As from those thousand hearts in one great soid Sublimely fused, rose thunder-deep, to roll. In wild acclaim, far down the ((uivering van ; And wilder still the heroic tumult ran From front to rear, when through her palace gate, Daphles, in unaccustomed martial state, A keen spear shimmering in its silver hold. And on her brow the Argive crown of gold. Flashed like a sunbeam on her warriors' sight. Girt by her generals, on a neighboring height She reined her Lybian courser, while the air Played with the bright Avaves of her meteor hair. And on her lovely April face the tide Of varied feeling — now a jubilant pride DA PULES. «Jl In those strong arms and stronger hearts below, Ami iKiw a prescient fear did ebb and Mow. Its sensitive heaven transforming mo- mently. Hnt soon the foeman's cohorts, like a sea. With waves of steel, and foam of snow- white plumes, Slowly emerged from out the forest glooms. In splendid jiomp and antique ])ageantry. An ominous pause! And iIkmi tlu^ trumpets high Sounded the terrible onset, and the field Rocked as witli earthquake, and the tliick air reeled With clangors fierce from eclioing hill to hill. Bloody but l)ri(>f the contest! All tlie skill Of Doraeles against the steadfast will Planted by love in faithful hearts that .lay Fiothed lik<' an ihles' lips. And all her gentle hopes by swift eclipse Were darkened. With a deathly smile she signed The chief farewell, as one who scorned to bind Her mercy with set terms. He turned to go, Self-centred, callous, dreaming not how low Her heart had sunk at each cold, shallow word With which his barren nature, faintly stirred By ruth, or love, or pardon, dared repay Her matchless mercy. On his unchecked way He turned to go, when, with one shud- dering sob, And deep-drawn, plaintive breath. which seemed to rob Life of its last dear hope, the Queen sank down. Wrapped in a death-like trance. With sullen frown. DAPIILE8. 93 And iiuiny a muttered oath, he raised Though but a wife in state and name lier form, Frail now as soni(> jiale lily by tlie storm \\'ind-l>I<)\\ n and Ijcatcn; foi' at woman's lusiicss \\ itliiii : So i;r;unous scciiK'il he, Diiiililo" 1h>i>(',-< To waUc, :iiul wliisin'i' t'oiul. swci'l. fool- ish words Thai few coiihl mark her inist'ry but w il h siu,lis Doi'li alniosl as her own. At last, she wrote (Im>i- still her soul hailed, wati'fy and re- mote. CliKse {o her heart, that thitters like a One heaiii ol' hird's swc<'t. ^Vooed in the spi-iun-daw ii : vet. alasl alas! b\)r joy that dies, and dreamy hojies that pass To notliingnoss! In "midst of this, ln>r trust. Came a swift l>low whieh sniolt" her to the dust ; News that lior ingrale love had hasidy tied. Whither none knew. S^earee had tlii.s shaft IxH'ii sped From fate's unerrinn' bow. than swift anain Hurtled a second steeped in poisoned pain; For now the whole dark triilh ean\e sternly out : Leagued with her bitterest foes, a savajie I'OUt Of inoinitain-rol)bers o'er the frontier land, lie unto whom she proffered heart and band. Kingdom and erowii, bad haitHl his treaeberous blade. And of the great and just gods iniafraid, Upreared bis .standard "neatb the blood- red star. And raised onee more the inearnatc eurse of war! Bo from that day all gladness left the heart Of broken Dajibles; she would muse apart From eourt and friends, her onee blithe footsteps slow. Her onee proud head bowed down, and sin'b wild woe Ooiiehed in the elouded depths of moin-n- ful eyes a missive tender- ('haiined with such patlR>s. to her deli- eate feet It nugid ha\e lured a spirit, nigh to death. And straight iiid)ued with warm compas- sionate breath .V heart as cold as spires of Arctic Ah, futile hope! Ah, fond and vain de- vice! Not all the pleading elo(|nence t)f wrong. Veiling its vvonnds. and golden-soft as song Trilled by the brown Sicilian inghtin- gaU's, In dusky nooks of melamdioly \ales. Could im^lt tlu> graiute will of l)oracl(>s. Each tender line she sent him did l»ut tease And sting his oi)durate temper into hate, .\s if the deep harmoiuons terms that wait On truest love, were wasp-like, poisoned things: Her timorous hints, her sweet imagin- ings. Far tboughts, and dreams evaiushing, but high. Filled with the maiden dews of .sanctity. He crushed, as oiu' nught crush in mad- dened hours The fairest of the sisterhood of llowers; No further answer made he than could be Couched in brief terms of cold discourt- esy. Holding all love — the noblest love on earth — Of lesser moment than an insect's birth, DAI'IILKH. 95 Hiiz/iiiir its litV out 'twixt the dawn and Of \vint17 iMoonli!i;lit on Sil)f>rian snows; ilark. riial Icltcr.stint'd tlu' lasth(;ulllil'iil si)arlv Of I he (Queen's flickering reason, Miriicd her wit To wild and errant courses, sadly lit Hy waiideriiiEf stars, and oi'bs of fantasy. Dccmliiii that she full soon must sink and die, Daiiiilfs. st ill Iriii' to llialoiic doiiiinaiit thoii-lil. Anil lii-in affection wliicli such ill had hi'diiulit, SuniMiiiiicd licr learned 8crii)es ;ind i)aile them draw After strict form and |iiceeilenls of law, ilersolemn testament ; w lierehy sluigave Her thioiie to Dorai-les, wiiene'er the Closed o"e|- her broken liear'l and hum- hied head. Ihit now her chiefs and noiiles. hard he- stead \>\ circumstance, and drcadim^ much lest he. The rene;;aile, and relicl, who did lle(! From lose to league with license, yet should sway '{'he honoi'ed .Vrgive sceptre, on a day ( 'ailed forth to solenni council and debate Loi'ds, liegcTiieu, nnnisters, to save the state From thicateiied tyranny and upstart rule: Thereto the WaU (^>Ueen, powerless HOW to school Features or mind to subjugation meet, Came weakly tottering; in her lofty seat She saidc l)ewildered, listless; all could niiii'k lieni'ath her lamiuid eyes the hollows dark. .\nd — save t bat sonjct lines as slu? slowly turned Her wasted foini, the (ires of fever burned. DeiitlTs prescient i)la/,on. on each sunken .•heck — Her face was palli 1 as a cold white streak Her ipuvering mouth and chill con- ti'aeted lirows I5(^spoke an inward tf^rturc, while from all The shrewd debate within that council hall Her dim thoughts wandered vaguely, lost and dnnd). ihit when bei' [litying maidens I'ound her come. And gently striv(' on lierdroo[ied head to place The self-same laund garland which did grace Her warm, white temples on that morn of strife A nd woeful victory, her sick brain seemed rife ()nc(Mnoi'e w ith mcmoiies; in her hand she pressiid 'I'he half-dead wreath, and o'er her flowing vest Strewed the ])lu(dre lier strii']\\s ol' tliat most sudden, sad e\cnt Which made liim king, to restless l)or- aclcs. What recked lie llicii that lo ils hillcresl lees A ]>urc young soul had (lUatTctl of mis- ery's cup. And at'ler, deallfs? "My star," ho thoiighl. " tlamos lut. Fronting the heights of empire! All is 'well!" Theri'on. iinpcllt>il hy keen desire to dwell In his new realm, wilh reckless haste he ro.l,' From town to lowii. till now the grand alH»de, The jialacc of the royai Argi\e rac(\ Did rise hefore him in ils lotiy place. O'crlooking leagues of gi>ldcn lields and streams. Fair hills and shadowy vineyards, hy great teams Of lahoring oxen rilled morn hy morn, Till the hared. tremulous hranchcs swung forlorn '(iainst the red tlush of autinnn's sunset sky. Housed wilh rich state therein, t'uil re- gally The Ivlng his sovereign life and coiu'se hegan. Striving at one swift hound to reach the \an Of princely fann^; his rare magniliciMice Of feasts, shows, pageants, and high siilendors, whence 'I'hc wondiM'ing guesls all dazzled went their way, (irew lo a world-wide provcrh for dis- l)lay And cosily lavishncss. Yet one there was O'er whose gray head lh(\' that hlaok doom JStole from her heart its joy, her cheek ils hloom. Just where the nudiowtnl rays of noon- day light Streamed through the enrlaiued gloom, ohscurely bright, Fair liills mihI sli;i(l(iuy \ iiicyarils, liy gi'cat li Of laboring oxen rifled morn by morn." DAPIILES. 97 \\'liii-li w iiipiicil llic ni'cjil ;irt-iiiillcri('S /\iiil priiiccly wise i1i:mi lie '.'( )r iu't. Ili oil I'ii'hly i'(Miii(l, ho 'I'lii'ii- liiiii.ii, 'mid iiiimy ;i slatcly jior- '. To (Icciii ///r all imworlliy to lirliold trail, i)ouii(l In Traiiii's of costly ivory, carvod and « fon^lit, A i)ictiirc. •.vlijcli till' kin,i,'"s eyes oft, liad soui^lit Willi anxious wonder: for day following; -lay Would I'liorhas, iniilcly soi'i'ow in^', maUi; delay (ioiiiii or <-oniini,r from llic conncil-liall 'I'o \ic\\ thai mnlllcd mystery on Ihf wall. 0\rr it llowccj :i \cil of sihci'y Ihk;, With Ihmv and iIktc line threads of gold sliol, llirou'jli The dcli('at,(! woof; and whoso chanccMl to Inrn A i.dam-1' I hereon, \\, did siiine 'J'he faee of Daphles, with a smile di- vine, Into ai-eii dimples i'ipi)lin.i,' joyfully ! Some; faiiitly-p(Misive memory seemed to vii! "With deeper ieelings, in the low, quick lone Wherewith the king spake, whispering to his o\\ n Of one calm autumn day. the king again Ilalf-waki'ind hi-art, — " Ci-i'tes, it could .M<'t I'lioriiiis — his worn features drawn with iiain. And in liis ey(!S tlu; sliar]( salt-iheiim of :ige — Still )ioi-ing on the piefuri'I '■'i'lioii a sage!" Sneered iJorackis, ''yet idly hmt, for- sooth, On vaporing fancies?" 'i'hen. mroc harsh, "'I'he tr-iith! The //■'////, old maul What strong spell drags thee hfi-e :' (Some charm, methinks, 'twixt passion and despair:) Morn after morn, forcing tliini' eyes (o sti'ay not he 'i'liat she, who (jwned the gloiions face I IJright with all hrightness of a young deliiihl. Vet ]>ined and withered 'm^atli the fatal night Of starless grief I" To which, '''I'hy ])ardon, sire," The old man said, "hut ere; my life's low fire lialh f|iiiti- gone, out, I fain would free my soul Of that whieli long hath horni- me care a,iid dol(;; I So, sovenugn lord, list lothetale I lelll" O'er you hiank mystery? rrythee, i Anil tlujrcwithal did I'hoihas deem it riiorhas, say well What image lurks beneath that glimmer- 'J'o show how Dajihles' daikened life did lug shroud ? i wane ; I'erchauce the last king's ? Weill am I How love, first touched hy douht, soon less proud changed lo i)ain, 98 LJ:(.iKM);S AM) Ll'lUCS. Ami. last, blank desolation, \\iioso wilil Of ruder thoujihts, but. thickly inu'tcr- stress inu, laid \Vri'i'k('il and niadc bare licr luTt'oct On the fair portrait of the soNcreiuu loxcliiu'ss. maid (>'<'r\\ hi'hninuwit with bcauly. "Siill." A reverent hand : from "uudsi the painted said ho. dome ••V>sir(>I to her last hour most tcndoily Of the ur.'al uallcry forth he bore it !Sho spake of tlu'e, her twilight reason honu> set Tuto the secret idiamber i>f his rest; 0\\ the sole thouulit, 'Mi/ li>rc iniu/ lore There next his i-ouch he placed the boaii- Hie i/i t : leous guest ; For liidii's loiH' foiiicf! iriHi kuoirlnhjc. 'There feasted on its sweetness; and since so I th'ciu. nauuht i^loir-lutirtcil man's !' Ah. heavenlslu> (>f piil)lic import now did claim his eonld not dream. thou-hl. Ihil ///// name tilled her dreams, '\\1umi No tierce war threatened, no shrewd trea- niadn(>ss stole ties pressed. Like a dread misi about her. and her .strauucly the picture mastered him; it soul. grew , Wound in its \ iewless eeiemenl -folds As days, then wctdvs, and seasons, o'er him tlew , .u ( m sett " Madness I"' the kinu; cried in a sharp A part, an inmost t>ss(>nce of all lif<\ outburst W'liich touched [o joy ov tiirilled to 0< w ild ama/emeut : "■madness! /have shuddering strife know n 'l"he soul's deep-seated issues: yet. at last. ■['he mad impatience of a w ill o'er^rown. Stronger the tierco slriTo waxeil ; the bliss When slernh thwarted in its tierv w as passed : /.eal. " And. wheresoe'or the king went, night Hut dreamed not how these faii\v er<\it- ov day. ures feel. «.>ne hauniiug phantom barred his 'These soft, frail-natured women, if. per- doomed way I chance. l.o\e turn on them a lold oi- lukewarm r>ut ere he reached the worst wild Stage glauce of WO(\ 0( brief denial!"" 'I'hcn the inipalii'ut Through many a change of passion, sw ift red. or slow , In a sw ift llood. — but not of anuer. — 'The king passed downward, nearing spread treacherous death; (>"erthe kiin;"s face; convulsed it seemed. And thus it happed, our old-world legend and stern. saith; IJui when from i;arrnlous Thorbas lu> did lea III 'Th\> u\ore he gazed on Uaphlcs" blooming How the quoon's laurel wreath half bari- face. beeaiuo. All tlusheil with hai>py youth and Hebe The hot blood ebbed, audo"erits waning' gi-ac<\ tlame 'The nuM'c her mar\ elknis image sct'med (.'oiu'seil the first tear his warrioi--sonl ali\ e; had sh«>d. He saw, or dieamcil he saw, the warm Nor I'oiilil ho rouse aji'ain the Instihead bknul strive. l)AI'IILh:S. 99 III riidilifr lidc, with foiiHcious liiuis to .lye Hit lovely l»i'ow ami swaiiliki' iicfk, oi' \ i<" Willi Syrian roses on Iht cjiccks of llanic; 'l'lii> iiiori- 111- .^a/.cil, llir nioii- Iht lips iici'aiiii! InslincL wilii timorous inolion, till a si.U'li. .\fU-l)oiM of ]ioncy(!(l love unwittingly, .Seemed JK^verinji; like a nnirmiiroiis fairy- lj(;e About their rieli, half-parteil comeli- ness : What slif^ht hreatli softly stu's tlie ti'iiant tress, W'liirji lik(! a waif of sans(;t light olenee. As in i'(;d liurry u|> fr<;m soul to cheeks Runs rir>tirig, and ever harshly sectks 'i'o drag them into gaunt, gi'ay lines of car<;I ^Months si»ed eventless, with his dark despair Oro wn darker; till, one sad November morn. Set to the rhythmic wail of winds for- lorn. They found, just wli<;re the. morning's shadowy gloom Had gathererl deepest in the itrince'H room. His prostrate boily, cold and turned in part Upwards, — tlie Vdade's hilt glittering o'er his heart, 100 LEGENDS AND I.VUICS. \\ licrc liisiiwii iicitl liulil ;niu li;iil scut il lllUlU'. li.'iu-alli liim, in soil liuh'il, I'Miit'lt'ss I'looui, l>ni(\illi iiiui suiilcil Ihc |uirlr;iil he iiad lorn Maill\ limu oil liio wail, iiis wan lace born,' N('\l llu'i'li'ai- lui^liln.'ss oT liial iil'c iilvOOIU- l'"or w liosc lair salvo lu- la\,al lasl iiii .loiu'; I'.iu whoso L;i;ul sinili", coiilil s/u liavo li\i'il tlial hour. llaii waui'ii ami willu'U'd inwanl, liKo a llow.M- 'I'll.' siorniwiiiil lijiuhls. al sloiii ic- \tMij;i>, liUc I his, Ot' lo\A''s rolil .si'oi'li ami passion's unpaid kiss. Airmrt. 1 1" is a swiv'l liadilion, willi a sold t>l' U'ud.'i.'si paihosl lli'arUon, love! — lor all rho sacivil imdorcunvnts ol' I he hoart 'rhrlll lo its oordial nuisii-: Omw a chiot'. rhilanins, kin;; of Sparia, loll ihoslorn And hlcaU dclilcs of his nnfruiiful land i;irt l>y a hand of (>ai;vr colonists — To soi'k now homos on I'nir Italiaiv \>lains. Apollo's oraolo had darkly spokon: '■ ir/art'o" j'loni c/oiuNcnn .^A/tN « OiitpiHtrttftfif Fiitifidtcirc t/iat i/enhotihl p(UIKV Ami rcitr i/iuir liousc/iolil iJcidvs!" lu'U'koil 1>Y lionbt rhilanins travoisod wilh his faithful hand I'ull nianv a hounioons roahu; hni still dofoal l>;ukonod his hannors, and tho slrong- wallod towns His dospoialo sioi^cs j^riinly lan.^hod lo soorn ! W'oiuliod down li\ anxious I houL^hls, iino snlliN o\i' Tho wairior his rndi' hohnol oasi asido — Koslod his W('ar> hoad upon llio lap Ol his fail' wife, who lo\od him li>n- dorl\ ; And llioro ho drank a uouoious dianuhl of sloop. Sho. ua/inu on liis \\\o\\ all worn wilh loil And his dai'k looks, which pain had sih orod o\or \\ilh ulisioninu lonohos of a frosty rimo, WopI on I ho snddon hillorly; hor loars l'\'ll on his faoo, and. wondorin^', ho woko. " () hlost an ilion, in\ Aoihra. iiii/ rlmr .v'A'//." llo criod oNullani. •'from wlio^i" pilyinji' hln.' .\ hoart-rain falls to fortili/A> my fato: lio! tl\o (loop ridillc's solvoil — tlio i;ods spakt" irnih I " So llio uo\l nii;hl ho sU>rn\od 'raronlnm. look 'I'ho ouomx's host ;u vaiUago, and o'or- Ihrow His inijihtiost oai>tains. 'I'honoo with kindly sway Ho ruled Ihoso ploasani regions ho had won, -- lUit iloaror o\ou than his jioh ilomosnos Tho lo\o of hor wluiso j;viitlo toars un- liH-kod The oloso-slmt ni\sior\ of tho «.h-aolol i; h: \ f: tr h: n. Wki.comk, ripplinji' sunshino! Woloimio, joymis air I l.iko a donuui shadow Klios'tlio jiaunt dospairl i!h:Ni<:\vi<:i). 101 II.MVcii, lliioii-li ll(•i;;lll^ nl' liMpiiy lis liiMil of lii'iU'ls mii'loscs, I'o will (Mi'lirs iiiiswcriii'^ li)\c ill ImIiii. I !rr hliisliiiiu I liMiiUs — ill roses! N'oices I'lom I ill' |)iiic-i;rov(', Wlinr I ill' piiraHiinrs (Iriiiiiiiiiiii;-, X'oiccs Irniii I ill' IVriiy liiils \li\i' uil li iiiMTl liiiiiiiiiiii|4; 'Vi)i<'<'s iow iiikI swci'I l''i()iii I lie i:ir-i>ll' si UMiii, \\ \\r\r I W I) li\ llli'ls llircl \\ il ii I ill' iiiiiriiiiii' i>l :i (Irc^uii ; N'oici's idiid .iiiil li'i'i' I'Viilll r\ rl \ Inisii .'iml Ircr, ( )t' s|ii)rl i\i' lui'i'sl li:ii'ils()Ul,|i(iiii'iiij^soiig.S of j^iiuliii'ss; llill over lliclll sliii W'il II ils i>ii,ssioii;i,li' Iriil, 'i'iir iiioi'ii'lilrii's ioriiiiii niiuiiirss! V-- ■'^■^'■'i iMohi 111.' I:ii' I. II f n-.:uii." I)i'(']i ilnw II I III' sw.llllpN liiaUr l'!\ I'll I ill' |ioi--iiil-sli;ilii'. VlH'oilril ;ill(l liiiskilli^ ill liir lioollliiir spiiMiiJor, May f(M'l, itci'cliiiin'i' on I his iiiisipjrioiis (lay (All (iai'U I'ioiiils rolli'd away), 'J'liroiitili his staiiiianl. hlooil, WariiK'iJ iiy thi' ,siiiili,i,'lit. Hood A faiiil, far sense, f.'oiiiiiiij Ik- kiK)\vs iml w iHiiec, Of dim iiili'llini'iu'i'.— '['he tliiiiiii'^l roiiscioiis llii'ill lliat limiian is, ami ti'iiili'i'I Ijook! wlien; on liimiiioiis wiiii^ The ether's stately kiiij,', 'i'iir lone sea-t'a;;l(', rireiiii'j; pioiid and slow. Towers in I in' sapphiri' 'j,1ow ; l''roni out wliosc i\x/./.\\ws, l)i'am. His resonant sei'eain ; Heard even here, — a note of lieiec desire. — linslii's lo silent awe the sylvaai choir. Till liiri! and nole in ai;y deeps up- drawn Are iiiellini; loward Ihe dawn ! And hear! <>! hear! .No loimi'i' wildly lerrilile and drear, Hut as it niei'iy pulses tiinrd iheii bealiii;^, Tli(! frolic s(!a-\vav(!H near, 102 LEGENDS AND LYRICS. Daiiriiig along like happy maidons To Krishna once his three handniaicUnis playing When hlithe love goes " a-Maying," And wrealcing on the shore their pant- ing blisses In coy impulsive kisses; Whilst he — poor dullard — cannot catch nor hold them. Nor in his massive, earthen arms en- fold them, The laughing virgin waves, so archly, swiftly lleeting! This subtle atmosphere, So magically clear, jNIelts, as it were upon my eager lip; From some invfsible goblet of delight Idly I sip and sip A Avine so warm and golden (From some enchanted bin the wine was stolen), A wine so sweet and rare, INIethinks a nobler birth Illuminates the earth. And in my heart I hear a fairy singing; Yet well I know 'tis but my soul renewed, Eeborn and bright, From grief and grief's malignant soli- tude! Yet well 1 know, Joy is the Ganymede, Who in my yearning need. Turns to a cordial rich the balmy air; And 'tis hut Hope's, divinest Hope's return. Which makes my inmost spirit throb and burn. And Hope's triumi)haut song. So sweet and strong. That all creation seems with that Aveird music ringing ! KlUSIIXA AX/> HIS THREE HAXD- MAIDEXS. And where he sat beneath the mystic stars, Kigh the twin founts of Innnortality, That feed fair channels of the Stream of Trance, — came. Asking a boon : '' O king ! O lord ! " they said. "Test thou thy servants' wisdom; long in dreams. Born of the waters of thy Stream of Trance. Have we. thy fond handmaidens wan- dered free. And lapped in airiest wreaths of fantasy; Now woidd we, viewless, bearing each some gift From thee, oiu' father, seek the world of man. The world of man and pain, which whoso leaves Better or brighter, foi- thy gift bestowed Most worthily, shall claim thy just re- ward. The Crown of Wisdom!'' Krishna heard, and gave To each ono tiny drop of diamond dew, Drawn from the founts that feed the Stream of Trance, Wherewith. i>n wattage of miraculous winds. Biealhiiig fidl south, they sought the world of man. The woi-ld of man and pain, that shrank in drought. Balsied and withered, like an old man's face Death-smitten. And the first handmaiden saw A monarch's fountain, sparkling in the waste. Glowing and fresh, though all the land was sii'k. Gasping for rain, and famished thou- sands died: ''() brave." she said, "O heaiUiful bright waves! Like calls to like;" and so her dmvdrop glanced. I And glittered downward as a fairy star Loosed from a tress of Cassiopeia's hair, Down to the glorious fountain of the king. UM)i:U THE I'lNK. 103 Over tlio passionless hosoin of the Of happy ethe; . echoing fair and far, sea. Itanti' the charmed music of the uii;htin- 'I'lic liiiliaii Si'a, ccrtiit'aii. crvslal-clcar. gale. Ami caliii. the' seooiid hainliiiaid, liovcr- iiifl. viewed — Aud so, where crowned l)eneath the Far tltrunuii the laniiled sea-weed and mystic stars. cool t ides Nigh th(! twin founts of immortality, Pulsiui;- 'tw ixt coral liranclies — the wide Krishna, the father, saw what ruth was lips hers. Of puriilin!^' shells that yearned to clasp And. sniiliiii,% to his wise handmaiilen's a jiearl : rule ,So where the oyster, l)liudly reaicd. Gave tlie great storm-clouds aud the awaits mists of heaven. Its priceless soul — she lets the dewdrop Till at her voice the mighty vapors fall, rolled Thenceforth to grow a jewel fit for Up from the mountain-gorges, and tlie courts. seas. .\_nd shine on swanlikij necks of haughty And cloudlaiid darkened, and the grate- (|UeellsI ful rain. Duidened witii benedictions, lushed anil 15iU Krishna's third handmaiden scai-ce foamed had felt Down the hot channels, and the foliaged The fume from parched ]>lains that made hills. the air And the frayed lips and languid limbs As one vast caldron of invisible lire. of flowers: Than casting downward pitiful eyes, she And all the woodlands lauglied, and saw , earth was glad! Crouched in tlu^ brazen cei'c; of that red lw.it ^ Ilea I , A tiny bird — a i)oor, weak, sutfei-iug UNDEn THE PT.XE. thing (Its bright eyes glazed, its lindjs con- TO THE MEMoItV OF UKNRV TirMCOU. vulsed and prone), — The same majestic pine is lifted high Dying of thirst in torture: "Ah, kind Against the twilight sky. Lord The same low, melancholy nnisic grieves Krishna," his handmaid murnuu'ed. Amid the topmost leaves, " sjjeed thy gift, As when I watched, and inuseil. and JJest yieliled here, to sooth(% pei'chance dreamed witli him. to save Bciu'ath these shadows dim. Tile lowliest mortal creatiuv ctirsed with pain ! "' O Tree! hast thou no memory at thy Gently she siiook the dewdrop from her core palm Of one who comes no uiore ? Into the silent throat that thirst had No yearning memory of those scenes sealed, that were Soon silent, sealed no more, — for, lo! So richly cahu and fail-. the bird When the last rays of sunset, sliimmer- Fluttered, arose, was strengthened, and ing down. through calms Flashed like a royal ci-owu ? 104 LA'ilAWVS AiXI) AJ7.7CVS. And ln\ willi liiiml oiilslrclcluMl iiiul Hut speaks of him, and seems ti> brinj:; cycN ;ilil;i/.i'. once nuifc Ijcn>k('tl Idilli Willi Inii'iiiiig Jill/A', Tiie joy. the love of yore: And stH'UKil lo (liiulx \\\v simsot like Ihil mosi when lirealhcd from out the siroiin w iiu'. simsel-land Or. hiislicd in iniiu'c di\ iiu\ 'l"he siuiscl airs are hlaud. ll:iilc(l Ihc lii'si sliy and 1 inunons i:;l;,l^.^> That l>low hetween the twilight and the I'nvni far niuhl. Of ('\ ('nine's \ iri;in star '.' l'",rc \ci the stars ari" hiii;hl ; O 'rrcfl aL;aiu>l lli\ iniulil\ linnk lie l''oi' iIh'II ihal (|uiel eve ('omes hack lo laid me. His \\t'ar\ lu'a 1 ; lli\ shade AVhen. dcepl>. Ihrilliu-ly. SU>K' o'l'i- liini like Ihc lirsl <'ooi spell of He spake of lofl\ hopes which xauipiish sl,v,.: Dcalh: ll hron^ht a peace ■•<" deep And on his mortal luealli The nntpiiel |>assiou died from oul his A lauj;ua,u'(> of inu\iortal meanings huim'. eyes. That tired his heart and tou^ut'. As lii^lilnini;- from siilK'd skies. For then unearthly bree/.es stir and And in tlial calm he loved lo resi, anil siiih. hear Murnmriuu, " Look up I "lis 1 : The sofi w ind-an_m'.ls, clear Thy friend is near iheel All. thou And s\vei>t, an\ong' l\\c uppei'most canst not seel " lir!Uieli(>s sijihinu: And llironameil) far np the mxsiie thrill — heiiiht. Passes, and all is still! — And pinions rusilin,^' liuhl. Still as ilie urave which holds his tran- (."•Trcel have noi his poel-loncli, his (piil form. dreams Unshed after many a storm. — So full of hea\ eul_\ uleams. Still as the calm that crowns his marble AVronuhl ihionuh the folded dullness of brow. Ihy bark. No pain can w riiiklc now. — And all Ihy nature dark Still as tlu" peact — pal bet ic i>eaec of Stinvtl to slow throhl)inj;s. and the tlul- CoA — toriuji lire That wraps ihe holy sod. 0( faint, unknown tlesiiv ? AVhere every llower from our dead uiin- At least to nu" there sweeps no niii'irod strel's dust riuj;- Should bloom, a type of triisi. — That gii'ds the forest-kinu That faith which waxed lo wiiu;s of No imuiemoriiil stain, or a\\ ful rent heaxcuward niii;ht (The mark of tempest spent ). To bear his soul from ni^hl. — No ilelieaie leaf, no lithe honuli, vine- That faith, ilear Christ I whereby we o'ergrown. pray to meet No distant, tliekerim;' cone. llis spirit at «;o.l's feet 1 /.V 7 7/ A' Ml ST. A /)/:/. IM ()/ III/: sol I// II / \ /)S. lOi) ( ) KliKsil. Iiow t'rcsli ;ili(l l;ii|- 'riiroiiuli tlif cryxliil 'jiiU's <>( ;iir, Tlic I'iiiry Smilli Wind ll(i:ilrili on Iht sllhl Ic wiriLCS ol' li;iliii 1 \iii| I he -rccii nirl h hijijii'd in hliss, To I lie ni;i;,'ic oi' iici' iiiss Seems ycmnini; n|>\v;iril ruinllv llir<)Mi;li I lie eoMrncrcstcd c'dni I l''i(ini I 111' disliinl 'rropir si i;ind. WImmv ihr iMllnws, hri.^lil ;n.d l,l;u:d, , , ,J;n„T f.-.r n|.u;,rd I., Il„. d;n '•" '■'■'■"I":'- '■'"■''"" '■■" '"• I'^'l'"^ I lilirs.'inv,.,.; ;,lr|, <.n,.r;,llrriM-niV w illi swcci, tiiini nndnl inir ' ' I'VoiM i(s fields of piirplin- lloucis Mill wcl willi tVii;;riiiil, showers, The h;i]i|)y SonI h Wind liiii^erinn sweeps I he royal hlnonis of June. I'or hehold! iis s|.iiil Hi. 'Ill, And ils I'iiiry murninr dici h, \nd Ihe silenee dosing; rouml nie is a ilnll and sonlless eahn I /.V 77//; .l//,s'V. .Mnlji'; I'earl'nl ^rows Ihe hilKide way, 'I'lie i;looni no sotlenin'j, hree/.e halll kissed! All hea\ c'niy fancies rise < Ml I hi' |ierriiine of her sii';hs, Wliieli sleep Ihe inniosi, spiril, i n a ian- U'nor rare and line, And a peai'e nior(! pure. I.liaii sleep's I 'nio dim, half-eonseions (Icejjs, Transpoiis nie, hdled and dream in;;-, on i IJiil- donhl v\ ilh pics'-ienl ler.-or hlends. I'Vom (Mil, I he misi I Ah, heaven! lo lliiiil; voiilh's morning prime. All Hushed will, r,,se and anielhysl,, Ils lelldiT l(i\cs, ils hopes Sllhlime, ShoiiM shrink lo Ihis dull I wili,'j,lil,-l.ime or eold and inisi ! ■No li'ainpiil e\i'ii,ir_; lioiir descends, When peace \\ii|i memory holds her lr\sl. ils I wili^hl, lides

  • ()/>. "Now, by luy t'.-iilli m ^riu'siuiu' iukoiI, fur siuimiu'v 1 " — TiioM AS lli:\ w Auu ^l.'l;•T\ Aw. 1110 1 for ('\ iTiiiort', tor i'\ criiiorc 'riioso liimiaii hearts i>t' ours iiinst _\ iMi'ii and si^li, >\'liil<' (low II till' (li'lls and up the luur- inurous sluTi' Nature renews her imuiorlaUty. The heavens oi .1 line st reteh eahii aiul bland aho\e, .hine roses hhish wllli I'liits (if (>neiit r>ut we. 1>\ i;raves of joy, desire, and love! Mourn in a world wliieli breathes of Paradisel The sunshine inoeks the tears it may not dry. The liree/.es — irieksy ei>uriers of tlie air — ("hild-roislorers win^-ed, ami liuhllx tlnl- teriiiji' by — lUow thoir liuy tniniiH'ls in the faee of eaiv; And boldor winds. Ih(> deep sky's pas- sioiiat(> speeeh. Woven into rliytlimie raptures of de- sir*'. Or fuii'uos o( luystie vietory. sadly roaeli Ouv hunihled souls, to laek. not raise them hiu:lierl The tield-binls seem to twit us as they pass ^^'itll their small blisses, piped so elear and loud; Theerieket triumphs o'orus in thegrass. And the lark, glancing boaniliko np the eloiul, ISinii"s us to seorn w ith his keen rhapso- dies; Small things and great nneonseious tjunuings bring To edge our cares, whilst we. the proud and wise. l'".ii\y the inseet"s jo\ , the birdliug's w ingi And thus for (>vermore. till time shall eease, Man's sonl and Nature's — eaeh a se|>- arale sphere — Ke\ol\e. liie oiu' in diseord. one in p.'aee. And who shall make the solenui n\\s- MiDMonr. The ^loon, a ghost of her sweet self. And wading through a watery eloud. Whii'h wraiisher Insireliki' a shroud. Creeps up the gray, funereal sk\ . 'Wearily I how wearily I The ^Vind. with low. bewildered wail A lioineless spirit, sadly lost. Sweeps shuddering o'er the ]>altid frost . And faints afar, with heart-siek sigh. Drearily I how drearily ! And now a deathly stillness falls On earth and heaven, save when the -hril!. Malignant owl o'er heath ami hill Smiles the wan sileuee with a ery. Kerilv I how eerilv I 77//; now) /;/.■(» II v n.txn. On. drearily, how drearily, the sombre eve eomes ilow ul And wearily, how wearily, the seaward breezes blow ! Hut i>laee your little hand in mine — so dainty, yet so brow n I For household toil hath worn away its rosv-tinted snow ; ■ IIh- ,\|.m,ii, ;i n\,i,r\ ..) lir] ;-. u < . 1 .-ill, . C'reepH up tin- tirny, fimc^rciil sky, Wearily ! how woarily." SONNJ'J'I'S. 107 IJnt I fold it, \vif(!, tho nearer, Au'\ I I'li'l. my l<)V(!, 'tiHtlearer '|'li;iii nil ticiir I liiii.i^s of carlli, An I \\aii|i i|]c i)cnsiv(! gloiiiiiiiii;, Ami mv uilil llioiii^lils cease ivom roam inn. And l)li-dlikc liirl llicii' iiiiiioiis close l>c- sidc our |M':iccrul licari h : Tlieii I'esl your Ml I lc liainl ill mine, w li ilc I w ilinlil ^liimiiH-rs (low ii, — 'I'lial lilllc liaicl. I hal IriAciil liaiid. Ilial liaiid of lioiiiiy lil' iu> \oii'i' ol' 'riic llirusirs bridal passion, warm and I'laiM' soli : To licralil \\ iulcr's .■oKl aiiil cnicl mi;;lil. 1 liiil winds I'ori'luxlin^ lill llic ilcsolaU' I'OKl's. ni^hl. SoMK ihnndci'on ihc lu'ii;hls i>f sonu'. Ami (lie al ilawnini; down wild wood- llicir rare ianil w a\ •> : (Joilliko in powiT. wliilc olhcrs at thi'ir 'I'hc so\('ri'iun snn al noonda\ sniilolli t'.'.'t coKI. Ai'i' bi'calbinu' measures scarce less As ihron;^li a shronil lie lialli no power slronu and sweel lo pa 11. Thau iho^e which peal I'rom oiil ihal Willi.' hu.Ml.'d llo.'ks rronoli lisiK'ss loftiest place; round llii'ir I'old ; >leanlime. jiisi midway on the mount. Tlu" nuH'k-biid's dnnib. no nioro with his lace I'luHM't'ul dan F.iirei' than Apiil heavens, when storms I'psoars llu> lark tliron^h morning's ret real. iinivt-riuti' ji'olii. .\nd on tln>ii' ed;;vs rain and sunshine And dnnih or iload, niciliinks, moal meet. Natmv's hoari I Pipes the sol'l lyiisl la\s ct' Icndei- irraee; SYrVAN ^NirSlXCS. — IN M vv. But where the slopes til' briulit rarnassiis sweep (\>lAiiiii in coo\ shadow, uirl by Near to tln> common ui'onnd, a \arions billowy swells ihi'iMn;' Oi t'olia^v. ripplinj; into bnds and (lianl low lier meastu'i^s, — yel eaclitimo- llowcrs. 11. 1 » . ..i- 1 1... 1 I'lil sirain Here I repose o'ert'anned by bn-e/y (The siUery minor ol' earth's perl'eet how (>rs, — sonu* lailled by a delieat(> stream whose lUendswilh that nnisic of the topmost nmsii' woUs steep. Temler and low through those luxuriant (.>"or w hose vast realm the master miu- dells, I sln-ls reiiiul AVlierefrom a siu;;le broad-leaved ehesl- nnt towers;- - .. .„ • -.11 111 1 soNNirr. Mill musniiT in the loiiji'. hish. laimnid ; li(>nrs, — r>i:iioi.i>I how weirdly, wonderfully .\s in a dream 1 heard lln> linklimi urand hells Tlie shades and colors of yon sunsot sky! Of tar-otV kine, glimpsed ihron^h the Kare islos of liuht in crimsoii oceans lio, vertlnrous sluvti. Whose airy waves st't-m ripplinj;-. bright rdent witlifaii\t blealittgs frotn the dis- and hlaud, lant eroft. — I'p (he soft sloi>es of many a mystic The bee-throngs innrmnrons in the strand. — •;(>ldcn fern, The wood-tloves \ciled by depths of ♦ -(^Hioon fah-y," tho nnmo givon popularly llii'kering green, — to au oxnuisitc semUcni wild tlewcr. tiONN/'J'/'H. 109 AVIiilr liimiiious caiics, iiinl iiininilaiiis liiwcriiiL; lii^li In golden pomp ;iii'l proud rcf,Mlily, O'rrlook llic rroiiiiif ol lli;il, fairy laml, IJiil, now, in Irunsroiinalions swill ami .slran.H"' The vision changes! Casllcs v;lili<'iiiig I'alr, And .sapphir'<' hallliMiu'nls of lol'liest, raniii' ('oniniin'4li' willi \ast, spiic, ami ;^orgi'ons donir, l.'ouiid wlijrli llicsinisel ^oi]sil^ piii'pliiig i'oain, (;ii-diii'4 this Iraiisicnt Venice of iJio ail'. " L'i)V<-ik;il jji \i)ii(|cr dim cUirrcal . • .1, Its airy towci-H tin; work of pliiuilom Hpclls, A viewless belfry toUw its wizard Ixdls." TIIK PIIAXTOM ItKLT.S. Ul'V'KH.Ki) in yonder dim elliercal sea. Its airy lowers liie work of iiliaiil(im spells, A viewless belfry tolls its wizard brlis, Pealed o'er this populous earth prrpri- nally. Some hear, some h(!ar tlieni not ; Init, aye Ihey Ik; Laden Willi one stran,i;i' note l.lia.t, sink9 or swells, Now dntad as doom, now gentle as fare- wells. Time's dirge boi'iie e\'ei- towai'd etei-nily. Kaeh boin- its measured lireath sobs out and dies While Ihe b..|l tolls it-; 1-equiem,— '• I'llssiiHJ, y(r/.s7." — The sole sad burden of liiejr long refi'ain. no /./■:i!i;sr. In sju'iuuliuie ol' our \oiUh, life's pur- plinji' shade. Koliau'e and fruit, do liauu so thickly riMuid, We seem i^lad leuauts of euehauted ground. O'er whiih for aye dreaui-w hisperiuu w iuds lia\ e played. 'I'heu siuuuier comes, her fuU-hlowu charm is laid Ou all Ihe forest aisles; from houud to iiouud l'"!oats wmxllaud music, and the silvery sound (^( fountains bahhliui;- to the uolden -lade. Next, a chill breath, the breath of An- lunm's doom Strips ilu' tair syhau branches. t)ue by one, 'Till the bari> landscape broadens to our \ ie'\ ; IVhind, black tree holes bk>t Ihe l-wiliuht blue, liefore, nnfoliaiiiHl, bald o\' liuht. and bloom, (>m' palhway darkens towartls the daik- eniug sun! ('I.(n'I> I'AXTASIKS. Wii.i>, rapid, dark, like dreau\s of threat- cniuii doom. Low cloud-racks send bt>foi'e the le\el w ind : jienealh them, ihe bare n\oorlauds, blaidc and blind, Str.Mch, nunnaifnl, throuuh pal<> leuiilhs of j;limmerin!i- iiliuun; Afar, liiand mimic of the sea waves' boom. Hollow, yet sw(>ot as if a 'I'itau pined O'er dcalhless woes, yon mighty wood, eousiLilled To anliunn's bli-hi, iuMiioans its lierished bloom; The dim air creeps with a vaune shud- deriuu- thrill How n from those monstrous mists (he sea-uale lirings. Half forndess, iidaud, piiisoninu earth and sky; .Most from >(in iilack cloud, shaped lik(- vampire win^s O'er a lost angel's visage, deathly-still, rplifted toward souu> dread eteruit\. SONXET. I i-K.\i{theo not.OBoath! nay. oft 1 pine To clasp thy passionless bosom to mine o\\ n. And on th\ heart sob ont my latest moan, {•'.re lapped and lost in thy strange sleep di\ iue ; [>ut nun h I fear lest that chill breath of thine Should free/.e alt tendt'r memories into stone. — l.est ruthless and malign Oblivii)n (.|)uench the last spark that lingers on loNc's shrine: OtJodI to moidder through dark, date- less yer.rs. The while ail loving nunisiries shall I'case. And time assuage the fondest nu>urner's toni-s : Hero lies the sting! — this, this it is todiel And yet great nature rounds all strife with peace. And life or death, each rests in mystery! so NXKT. Of all the woodland Mowers of earlier sin'ing, The.se golden jasmines, er.eh an air-huug bower. FlliK-VWTUREH. in Mfcl for (lie (,)iiccii of Fnirics' tiriiii;- hiiiir. >crlii luvclirsl ;illil liiosi Kiir in l)l().ss()Ill- i 1 1 l; : llow vdiidcr iii()cl<-l)ii-,| I Ill-ills Ills tcr- \iil winn And 1(111^. iJMic tliroiil, wliciv Iwinkliiii;- llowor oil How cr li'iiiiis Ijic Mi(jl)(.(l (Icwdrops (ioui), a dlii- luoiid sliowcr, O'lThis brown licad poised as in act, lo siiin'; l.o! 111. ■swill snnsjiiiir lloodslh.. Iloucry nrns, <;ir(linir tlicirdclicalc -,,1,1 wjlli malcli- Icss li.i,dil, ■'''" ""■''•'•I'l life of hon-li. leaf, blossom, liinns; I'll''!!. I lii'ii oui lim-sls the niock-liird clear aiiil loud. Ilall-dniiik Willi i.erfiniK', veiled by ra diaiiee bri-lii, A slar oj imisie in a lieiv eloiid! i'ii!i:-i>i(rri!i:s. <)! Till-: rolling, iiisliin- lire! o: llle lire! Jlow- il ra-es, wilder. In-lier, Like a hoi lii'arl's lierce desire, 'I'lirilled with passion that, :ipi)a]ls lis. Half apiialls, and yet enthralls us, 0\ the madly mountini;- (iro! Up it sweepeth.— wave and .piiver, — K'oaiin- like an aiii^ry river, — o: the lire! Whieh an .■artluiuakc backward tunietli, JJjii'kwani o'er its riven courscfs, J'.iickward to its mountain soiu-ces. AVhile tli(! blood-red sunset burnetii, I.ike a (iod's face .i^raiid with ire. O! the bursting, billowy (ire! Xow I be sombre sinoke-eloiids thicken 'I'o ;i dim I'hitonian night; — <)! till- lire! ilow its dickering glories sicken, (Sicken at tlie blight! J'iiles the llame, and sinvads the vapor, 'i'ill scarc(' larg(M- than a tai)ei'. Flares the waning, struggling light; ()! Ihou wan, faint-hearted (ire, Sadly darkling. Weakly sparkling, Uise! assert thy might! Asjjire! asiiiri'! At the word, a vivid light iiing, 'riireatening, swaying, darling, bright- ening, W'iiere Hie loftiest yule-log towers, — Hursts once more. Sudden bursts tlu; awakened (ire; Hear it ro:u! Ko.ir, and mount high, high, and higher, 'I'iil beneath. Only here and there a, wreath Of the passing smoke-cloud lowers, — Jla! the glad, victorious (ire! O! the (ire! Jlow it changes, <'hanges, ranges Thi'ough all phases faiicy-wrought. Changes like a wizard thought; Se(! Vesiivian lavas rushing 'Twixt the rocks! the ground asuiuhsr Sliivers at tli.' earllH|iiake's thunder; And the glare of [jell is flushing Startled hill-to)). quaking town; Temples, statues, lowers go down. While beyond that lava, (lood. Dark-red like blood. I behold the ebildieii (leeling Clasped by many a frenzied hand; M'hat a (light, and what a meeting, On the ruined sli'and ! O! the (ire! Kddying liigher. higher, higher From Ihe vast volcanic cones; O! the agony, tht! groans Of those thousands stifling there! " Fancy," say you '' but liow near Seem tli(! anguish and tlus fear! Swelling, turbuleiil, pitiless tin;: LEGL'yDS jyn i.ynics. *Tis a mad northeastern breeze Uavins o'er the luairio seas; How. like livinii' things, the grasses Tivnible as the storni-hreath passes, Ere the thunes' devoiu'ing magie Coils about their golileu siilendor. And the teiuler (Jiory of the mellowing tields To the wild ilestroyer yields; l)reailtnl waste t\>r tloweriiig blooms, Desolate darkness, like the tomb's, (.>ver whieh there broods the while. Instead of daylight's baj^py smile, A pall malign and tragiel Marvellons tire I Changing, ranging 'riirongh all phases faney-wronght. Changing like a charmed thonght; A stir, a murmur deep. Like airs that rustle over jungle-reeds. Where the gaunt tiger breathes but half asleep; A bodeful stir, — And then the vietim of his own inire deeds, I mark the nughty tire Clasps in its i-ruel palms a martyr-saint, Christ's faithful worshipper; Ihie mortal ery atVronts the pitying day. One ghastly arm ii]>lifts itself to lieav- eu — When the swart smoke is riven, — Ere the last sob of anguish ilies away, 'The worn liml>s droop and faint. And o'er those reverend hairs, silvery and hoary, Settles the somblanee of a erown of glory. Tireless tire! Changing, ranging riuvngh all phases faney-wronght. Changing like a Tnitean thought; Here's a glowing, warm interior, A Dnteh tavern, rieh and rosy With deep eolor. — sill and floor Uaz/liug as the w lute seashore, Wliere within his armchair cozy Sits a toper, stout and yellow, blinking o'er his steamy bowl; Hugely drinking. Slyly winking. As the pot-house Hebe passes. AVith a clink and clang of glasses; Ha! 'tis plain, the stout old fellow — As liis wont is — waxes mellow. Kodding 'twixt each dreamy leer. Swaying in his elbow chair. Next to one. — a portly peasant. — Pipe in hand, whose swelling cheek, .lolly, rnbicutul. ami sleek, PntYs above the blazing coal; While his heavy, half-shut, eyes Watch the smoke-wreaths evum'scent. Eddying lightly as they rise. Eddying lightly and aloof Toward the great, black, oaken loof I I>reaunug still, from oin the tire Faces grinning and grotesque. Flash an eery glance upon me; (.^r, once more, methiuks 1 sun me On the breadtlis oi happy plain Sloping towards the southern main. Where the imnost soul of shadow- Wins a golden lieat. And the hill-side and the meadow (Where the vines and clover meet. Twining ronnil the virgins' feet. While the natural arabesque Of the foliage grouiH>d above them Droops, as if the leaves did love them. Over l>rvnv. and lips, and eyes) Gleam with hints of Paradise! Ah! the tire! Gently glowing. Fairly tlowing. Pike a rividet rippling deep Through the meailow-lauds of sleep, Ponlered w here its music swells, l>y the languid lotos-bells. And the twilight asphodels; Mingled w ith a richipr boon Of queen-lilies, each a nioon. Orbed into white completeness; O! the perfume! the rare sweetness FlllK-PlCTlUlES. 113 < )f those grouped and fairy flowers, And the mammoth, moonlike shields, Over which tlie love-lorn hours Blazoned on their lurid fields. Linger, — not alone for them, With uncouth, malignant forms. Thouj^h the lotos swings its stem Glowei-ing, wild. With a lulling stir of leaves, — Like the huge cloud-masses piled Tliough the lady-lily waves. Up a Heaven of storms! And a silvery undertuno From some mystie wind-song grieves Ah, the faint and flickering fire! Dainty sweet amid the bells Ah, the fire! Of the twilight asphodels; Like a young man's transient ire, lUit because a charm more rare Like an old man's last desire. (ilorilies the mellow air. Lo! it falters, dies! In the gleam of lifted eyes, Still, through weary, half-closed lashes. In the tranquil ecstasies Still I see. Of two lovers, leaf-embowered, But brokenly, but mistily. Lingering there, Fall and rise. Each of whose fair lives hath flowered, Rise and fall. Like the lily-petals finely. Ghosts of shifting fantasy; Like the asphodel divinely. Now the embers, smouldered all, Sink to ruin ; sadder dreams Titan ai'ches! Follow on their vanished gleams; Titan spires ! Wailingly the spirits call, Pillars whose vast capitals Spirits on the night-winds solenm. Tower toward Cycloi)ean lialls. Wraiths of happy Hopes that left me; And whose unknown bases iiierce (Cruel! why did ye depart ? ) Down the nether universe; Hopes that sleep, their youthful riot <'ountless coruscations glimmer, Merged in an awiul quiet. (ilow and darken, wane and shiimner. With the heavy grief-moulds pressed 'Twixt majestic standards, swooping, — On each pallid, pulseless breast. Like the wings of somc^ strange bird In that graveyard called the iiEAisa', By mysterious currents stirred Stern and lone. Of great winds, — or darkly drooping. Needing no memorial stone. In a hush sublime as death. And no blazoned column : When the conflict's cpiivering breath Let them rest I Sobs its gory life away. Let them rest! At the close of fateful marches, Yes, "t is useless to remember On an empire's natal day: May-morn in the jnirk December; C'ount'.ess coruscations glimmer. Still, Hopes! because ye were (ilow and darken, A\ane and shimmer. Beautiful, and strong, and fair. Ivound the shafts, and round the walls. Nobly brave, and sweetly bright, Whence an ebon splendor falls Who shall dare On the scar-seamed, angel bands, — Scorn me, if through moistened lashes. ( Desolate liands! ) Musing by my hearthstone blighted, Orasping in their ghostly hands Weary, desolate, benighted, — Weapons of an anti(iu(! rage, I, because those sweet Hopes left me, From some lost, celestial age, I, because my fate bereft me, When the serried throngs were hurled Mourn my dead. IJlastedto the under world: Mourn, — and shed .Shattered spear-heads, broken brands, Hot tears in the ashes ? lU LEGENDS AND LYRICS. AN ANSI ) -R US All Y. O Love, it is our weiUling day! This mom, — liow swift the seasons liee! — A virgin morn of cloudless May, You gave your loyal hand to me, Your dainty hand, clasped sweet and siu'e As Love's sweet self, for evermore! Love, it is our wt'dding-day. And memory Hies from now to then; 1 mark the soft heat-lightning play Of blushes o'er your cheek again. And shy hut fond foreshadowings rise Of tran(iuil joy in tender eyes. O Love, it is our wedding-day; The very rustling of your dress, The trembling of yoiu' arm that lay On mine, with timorous happiness. Your lluttered breath and faint foot- fall,— Ah, sweet, 1 hear, 1 st'e them all! O Love, it is our wedding-day. And backward Time's strange current rolls. Till life's and love's auspicious ^lay Once more is blooming in our souls. Anil larklike, swell the songs of hope, Yom- blissfid bridal horoscope. O Love, it is our wedding-day, — Yet say, did those fair hopes but sing. Lapped in the tuneful morn of ]\[ay. To die or droop on faltering wing. When nooiUide heats and evening chills Made pale the llowers and veiled the hills •.' O Love, it is our wediling-day. And none of those glad hopes of youth. Thrilled to its height, outpoiu'ed a lay To match our future's simple truth: Though deep the joy of vow and shrine, Our wcHlde.l calm is more divine! OLove, it is our wedding-day! Life's summer, with slow-waning beam. Tints the near autumn's cloud-lautl gray To softness of a fairy dream, Whence peace by nmsing pathos kissed, Smiles through a veil of golden mist. O Love, it is our wedding-day; The conscious winds are wluspering low Those passionate secrets of the Miy Fraught with your kisses long ago; Warm memories of our years remote Are treml>liug in the mock-bird's throat. O Love, it is our wedding-day, — And not a thrush in woodland bowers. And not a rividet's silvery lay, Xor tiny bee-song 'mid the flowers, Nor any voice of land or sea. But ileepens love to ecstasy ! Our wcddiug-day! The soul's noontide! In these rare words at watchful rest What sweet, melodious meanings hide Like birds witlun one balmy nest. Each quivering Mith an impulse strong To flood all heaven and earth with song! h-ROM THE irOODS. Why should I. with a mournful, mor- bid spleen. Lament that here, in this half-desert scene. IMy lot is placed ? At least the poet-winds are boUl and loud, — At least the sunset glorities the cloud. .Vnd forests okl and proud Rustle their verdurous banners o'er the waste. Perchance 'tis best that I, whose Fate's eclipse Seems final, — I, whose sluggish life- wave slips Languid away, — 1)0 LCh: I' All NlKiM'K. 115 Slioiild licri', williiii llicsi' low ly walks, I Sliiiics on iiiKinciii'licd ! () (Icallilcss love I hal lies III I lie cliMr 111 ill nielli ol' I hose passioii- alc r\cs: • Iny w.ilii'l li 1 |''n|| inn' Hies! Wlial I lien'.' 'I'lioii slill ;iil here, soul of my soul, my Wile! apai'l l''|-om llie liere<' I hrolil(iiiL;s ol' (lie pop- ulous marl , < 'niiiiiimii' u ll li mi III' iiw II lieiirl , While \\ isloiii hlooms Irom hiirieil llope-s ilee:i\. Xaliire, Ihoiinh wiM her lorms, sus- tains me si ill ; The roiiiits are miisieal, — I he haiTeii liill ( ilow s w it li sl rail'j,e li;4iits; Thidimh solemn piiu^-^rovcs the small liMllets Heel Sparkliii!,;. as if ;i, Naiail's silvery I'ecl, ill qiiiek anil coy retreat. Oliinceil throiiLih the stai-uleaiiis on calm simimer niuhls; Anil the i^real sky, I he royiil he;i\eii ai)o\ e, Darkens willi storms or melts with hues of love; While far remote, .ll|s| where the slllllivlll, smites the w (toils wit h lire. Wakens the mull it iiiliiioiis syhaii choir; 'i'lieir illlioeelit love's desire l'(JUrcd ill a rill of soiii;' lioiii each liar- monioiis I lii'oal. My walls are erimililiii'^, hiil immortal looks Smile on me here from faces of rare hooks ; Sliakspcarc consoles .My licarf with true pliilosoplilcs; a halm Of spiritual dews from hiimhler song or psalm i-'ills me wit h tender calm. Or Ilirougli Inislicd liciivcns of soul Mil- ton's deep thunder rolls! i><»i.( i: r.\i: \ / /■: .\ r /■: . Lkt ihe vwu'M roll hlinilly on! (;i\e me shadow, gi\'i' me siiii, A ml a perfumed eve as this is; Lei. me Me, Dreamfully, When the last (piiek siiiiheams slii\-er Spears of li.nlit alhwarl the ri\er, And a, hreeze, which seems the sigli ( )f a fairy lloaliiig hy, ( 'oyly kisses 'render leaf and feathered i;rasses; ^'l•t so soil ils hrciiilhing passes, These lall leins, just gliinineringo'er nie, lUelldillL; '^oldeiily hefore me, I ianlly (pii\er! I liaAc done with wnrldly scheniing, .Moekinu; show and hollow seeliiini;! i.et me lie Idly here. Lapped ill liilliiiL;' wa\es of air, i'aciiiL; full the shadowy sk\. I""a,nie! — the \ery sound is dreary, — Shut .() soul ! t hi lie eyelids Weary, l'"or all nat lire's '.oiees say, ■• "i'is the closi t he close of day, Thought and gri el lia\ e had I heir sway ;" Now Sleep hares her haliiiy hreast, — Whispering low (Low as inoon-sel tides that Ilow T]) still heaches far away; While, from out the lucid West, Fliifelike winds of muriiiiirous breath Sink to tcnder-iianting deatli), And more than all. o'er shattered ••( )n my hosom lake t hy rest; wrecks of l-'ali (( 'are ami i^rief ha\ e had their day The relics of a happier lime and stale, i "lis the hour for dnamiii My nohler lih; l^'rauraiil rest, elysian iheaming!' 116 LEGENDS AND LYRICS. {AMIiYSKH AM) Till: MACIiOlll.tX JSOIf. Om'. iiioni, liard by a sluiiilu'roiis strcain- lofs Avavc, 'i'lir iilano-troos stirlrs,; in tlio unbrcatli- iiii;- caliii. And all tlu> lusli-rt'd roses driH)ptHl in dream, l,av Kiiii; ('an\li\>es. idle as a elond 'I'IkU wails the w iud, — aindess of tlion,i;iil and w ill, — Hul with \a,nue e\ il. like llie liiihlninu's l.olt Kro yet the eleetfie death be t\)f,i;ed to snute. Soothinij,- at lieaft. His court iefs ringed him round. Whereof was one who to his eoiufades' ears. With baled brealh and wonder-ai-idied blows, Kxtolled a eertaiu Uaelrian's maleldess skill Displayed in bo'werat't: at wliose niaf- vellons leals. Eaiierly \aiinted, the Kiim's son! gfew liol AVith en\ \ , for himself erew Idle had been Hated the nni;litiest areher in his realm. !Slowly he ro>e. and poiiuiii;^- southward, said. " SoosI thou, l're\asi>es. yonder sl'>nder Vahn. A mere wan shadow, (|ui\ erin;j; in the li.uhi. Topped by a ghastly leaf-erown '.' Pri- tlu>e, now. ("an lids, thy famous l.aetrian, standinix here, ("leave with his shaft a hand's bivadth niaikeil tb.ereon ".' "' To wldeh Prexaspos answei'ed. " Xay. my lord ; I spake of feats compassed by inoi'tal skill. Not of 2;ods' prowess. ■■ I'nlo whom. the Kinu: — " And if luysolf . Troxaspos, iiuulo 05?ay. Think'sl tlion. wise counsellor. I too should fair.'"" '• Needs must 1. siri',"" — albeit the court- ier's \(iice Trendihnl. and some dark iirescience bade him pause. — " NetHls must 1 hold such cimnini; more than man's; And for the rest, 1 pray lh\ pardon, Kiiii;-, r>ut yester-e\('. amid tlH> feast and dance. Thou tarried'st with (he beakers uver- lon-." 'l'h(> ihick. w ild. treacherous t'yebrows of the Kin-. That looked a slielleiini;- ambush for ill Ihon-hts Waxiin;' to manhood o\' maliiiuant acts. 'I'hese treacherous t'yobrows. iicnl-house fashion, closed O'er the black orbits of his tiery eyes. — Which, clouded thus, but Hashed a dead- lier L;li'am On all before him: suddenly as tire. Half choked and .suioulderim; in its own dense smoke, r.nrsis into roariny; radiance and swift llann'. Touched by keen breaths of liberating w ind. — ►So now t'ambyses' eyes a stormy joy Stonnily tilled; for on Trexaspos' son. His tirst-liorn son. they linu-cred. — a fair boy {'Midmost his fellow -i>a,ues llushed with sport ). Who. in his otliee of King's cupbearer. So iinu'ii>us and so sweet were all his ways. Had even the captious sovereign seemed to pleast>; While for the court, the reckless, revel- ling court. They kwed him one and all: •• (io." said Cambyses now. his voice a hiss. roisonons and low. "go. bind my dainty inigc ('AM/l)S/:s AM) TIIK j\l AC IK) III AN lloW. 117 To voiiiliT ii;ilin-ticc; itiiid liiiii fast and | Draw, traiicod and rigid, towards somc^ suri'. So thai IK) liiii^cr stirrcth ; which hciiii;- done. Fetch nil'. I'rcxaspes, tlic Macrohian how."' Thns (jrdcrcd, llius accomplished, fast I liey l)ouild 'I'lie innn-iiil cliild, the while lliat niani- iiiolh how, lirouulit hy tiie spies from Klhiopian camps. La\ in (lie Kinj^'shand; slowly, sternly up, lie roarfid it to the level of his sight, IJeared, and bent haeic its oaken niassive- ncss Till the vast muscles, tough as grape- vines, bulged i'rom naked ai'in and shoulder, and the horns < If the fierce weapon groaning, almost met. When, with one lowering glance askance; at him. — His douhling sati-ap. — the King coolly said. " Prexas])(>s. look, my aim is at the heart!" Then came the sliiirp twang and the deadly whin' Of the Icjosed arrow, followed hy the dull, 1 )reai' echo of a holt that smites its mark ; And those of keen(>st vision shook to see The fair child fallen forward across his honds. With all his limbs a-(|uivcring. (^uoth the King, Clapping I'rexaspes' shoulder, as in glee, "Go thou, and tell me how that shaft hath sped I ■■ Forward the wretched father, step hy St(!]), <'rept, as one creeps whom black Iladenn dreams. A'isions of fate and fe.ir unutterahle. deliiiite goal Of horror: thus Ik; went, and thus Ik; saw What, nevei' in the noontide! or the night, Awake or sleeping, idle or in toil, 'Neath the; wild forest or tlu! perfinned lamps Of ]ialaces. shall leaxe his stricken sight rniilasted. or his spirit piu'gxid of woe. I'rexaspes saw. yet lived; saw, and le- lurned Whei'e still environed by his dissolute court, C'andjyses leaned, half scornful, on his bow: The old man's face was I'iven and while as death ; Ihit, making meek obeisance to his King, He smiled (ah, such a smile!) and feebly said. " What dm I, mighty master, what am /, That I dui'st (|uestion my lord's strength and skill '.' His allows are like arrows of the god. I']gyptian Ilorus, — and for proof, — but now, 1 felt a child's heart (once a child was 'ni.'nic, "Tis my Lord's now and Death's), all mute and still, Pierced by his shaft, and cloven, ye gods! in twain !" Then laughed the great King loudly, till his beard (Quivered, and all his stalwart body- shook With merriment: hut when his mirth was calmed, '•Thou art forgiven," said he, "forgiv- en, old man; Only when next these Persian dogs shall call Camhvses drunkard, rise. Prexaspes, rise! .\nd tell them how . and to what purpose, once. 118 LEGENDS AND LYJilCS. i'tucc. on ;i iiioi'ii wliicli rolliiwcil hot ami wail A iiiglit ol' iiioiisl rolls revel and dc- l.aiicli. (.'aiiil>ys('s hciu this hii^c Macrobiau bow." /; ) /■///■ ir ir M.\ si:.t. F Alt; as I lie dawn of the I'aircst day. Nad as ;hi' c'\ cuiiiii's tender ^ray, r.y the latest hislc.' of sunset kissed, 'That \\a\ersaiid wanes t hioni;li an am- her mist. There eoineth a dri'am of the pas( lo nie. On tlii' desert stands, l)y tlie aiilumn sea. All heaxfii is wrapped in a nixstie veil. Ami the fae<' of the oeeaii is dim and pal.>. And there rises a wind from the ehill northwest. Thiilseemeth the wail of a soul's unrest . As the twilii^ht falls, and the vapors II. e l''ar o\t-\- the wastes of the antnmii sea. .V single ship thronuh the ^loamiiii;- ulid.'s I'phorne on the swell of the seaward tid.'s; And above ihi' uleam of her topmost spar Are tlu' viruin eyes of the vesper-star That shine with an aujivl's ruth on mo, .V hopeless waif, by the autimui soa. The wiiiiis of the i^hostly beaeh-birds ^leam 'I'lirouiih the shimmering' sni'f, and the enrlew "s sen'am Falls faintly shrill from the darkeninu' hei-hi: The lirsi weird si^li on the lips of Ni^ht r.reathes low thronuli the sedue and the blasted tree. With a miirmnr of doom, liv the antinnn (Ml. sk\-ensliadowed and yearnim; main, \'oiir ulooiii but deepens this /iihiiku pain; 'l'liost> waves seem bii;' with a nameless eare. That sky is a type of the liearl's despair, .Vs I liuiier and muse by tlie sombre lea, .Vnd the iiiLi'ht shades elose on the au- tiiiiin sea. ■I'll/: inn: o/' iinrrrixr. [Suoovstea l.y the Y'raiil^eleiiie-s 'l-alo of Ct.au.Ti-.l i'i;c>i:\i. 'I'lJf'rii wed to beaniy in an antitpie tale, Sweet-\ diced like some immorlal iiiL;lit- iiiuale. Trills the clear burden of her passsionate lay. As fresii, as fair as wenderfiil to-day .\s wluMi tlie music of her l>almy tonune lavished the llrst warm hearts fi>r w lunu slu> sun;;'. Thus, when I hi' early spriuu-dawn buds are ^reeii, (ilisteninu' beneath the sudden silvery slu'eii Of i;lauciuL; showers; while heaxen with brideji'rooni-kiss Wakens tiie virgin earth to bloom and bliss. Fnamored brealhinu' and sid't raiilures born About the roseate footsteps of the morn, .Vn old-world sou^'. whoso breezy nuisie liours Through limpid channels "twixt on- chanted shores. Steals on uu' wooiuuly from that far t iiiie When tunefnl Chaueer wrought his lusty rhyuio Into rare shapes aud fancies and delii;'hl. For .May winds blithely blow, and haw- tlu>rn llowors were briulit. V _^>-~. _^'!11JU11!U|I,||PJ, ;, , , I'll ir! J- -■,^#;^._--V-:N ■■'I'li'-i' MM-lli :i .|i.:ini of tlio pjist to lllP, Mil (111- ilooil sands liy llii' iiuluiiiii sea." Tlir: WIFE OF /iUr/'TAXV 119 () bnivc olil poel! i^enlus frank and lint horn to such rare state and sover- Ix.l.i: c'i,;;i::y. Suslaiii inc. chcrisli and aroiiiid iiic He hardly (hirst Ixd'orc her liciid Ihc lull I knee Thine own lial<', sun-warm aliuosiilu'i\' 1 lu passion's ai'dor and keen licart dis- of souij, I I less; Lest I, who touch thy niunhcrs. do tiicc M'l'on^: Speed the (k'cp measure, mal<<' I he niean- im;- slune I\U(kly and hij;li witli heaUhi'ul spirit wine. Till to attempered sense; and iiuiekeniui^ ears My strain some faint hai'inonious echo hears From that rieli realm wherein thy cor- dial art Throbbed with its ]iulse of (ii-e 'gainst youthful Kngland's heart. THE STOKY. "\Viii:i;e the hoarse billows of the north- kind Sea Sweep the rude coast of rockbouiid Brit- tany, Dwelt, ages since, a knight whose war- rior-fame .Might well have struck all cari)et-kniglits with shame ; Vowed to great deeds and princely nian- liood, he Burgeoned the topmost-llower of chiv- alry; Yet gentle-hearted, nursed one delicate thought Fixed firm in love: with anxious pain lie sought To serve his lady in the nol)lest wise. And many a labor, many a grand em- prise lie wrought ere that sweet lady could be won. She was a maiden bright-aired as the sun. And graceful as the tall lake-lilies are Flushed 'twixttlie twilight and the ves- per-star ; Still, at the last, liis loyal worthiness And mild obeisance, his (>l)servanc(! high Of jnanly faith, firm will, and constancy Aroused an answering pity to his sighs. Till pity, grown to love, l)eamed forth from genial eycis. Thus with })ure liMist, and cheerful calm accord, She made this gentle suitor her soul's lord; And he, that- thence their hajjpy fates should sti'a.y Through pastures l)eauteoiis as the fields of May, Swore of his own fn^e mind to use the right Her mercy gave him, with luj churlish might. Nor e'er in wanton freaks of mastery. Ire-bred perverseness, or sharp ji'al- ousy. Vex the elcar-llowing ctUTent of her days. Slie thanked him in a hundred winning ways : "And I," she saul, "will lie thy loyal wife; Take here my vows, my solemn troth for life. " On a .June morning, when the verdui'ous woods Flushed to the core of dew-lit solituiles. Murmured almost as w'th a human feeling, Tenderly, low. to frolic I)reezes stealing Through dayipleil sliades and depths of dainty fern. Crushed here and there by s(;me low- whimpering burn. 120 LEOESDti AXD J.yiUC^. These twain ^\('l•e wi'iMed at a forest shrine. O salt'rou-vested Hymen the tUvlnel Did aught of giooni or hodhig shadow wcigli Tpon lh> lihishiug t'onseiousness that da\ •.' No I tliy fi'aiiiv face breathed only hope and hi\i'; Earth hingiied in waxc and leaf, all heaxcn was fair ahoxc. Ilonu> to tlie land wliei-ein the knight was born niilhely they rode npon the niorrow- niorn, Js'ot far from I'enmark; there they lived in ease And solace of matured felicities. Until .Vrviragus whose soul of fire Not even fruition of his love's desire Could till with languorous idlesse, cut the tie. ^^'hiell bound to silki'U dalliance sud- denly. Sailing the straits for Kngland's war- torn strand. There ampler bays to i>hu'k from \ ic- tory's " red right hand. " But Tolcne, fond lolene. w hose lieart Can heat no longer, lonely and apart From him she loves, save with a sicken- ing stress Of fear o'erwrought and broinling tt'u- derness. Mourns for his ahsenc(> with soul-weary- ing plaint. Slow, pitiful tears and nndnight nnu- murings faint. And thus the whole world sadly sets at naught. Meanwhile lier friends, who guess what canker-thought Preys on her quiet, with a nuld essay Strive to subdue her passion's torturing sway : "Beware! beware, sweet lady, thou wilt slay Thy reason I nay thy very life's at stake! By love, and love's dear pleadings, for his sal;e \Vho yearns to clasp thee seatldess to his breast, AVe pray thee, .soothe these anaddening cares to rest !" EvtMi as the patient graver on a stone. Laboring w ith tireless lingers, sees anon The shape end>odying his rare fancies grow And lighten, thus upon her stubborn woe Their tireless comforts wrought, until a trust. Clear-eyei! and constant, raised her from the dust And ashy shroud of sorrow: her despair (iave place to twilight gladness and soft cheer Conlirmed ere long by letters from her love: •• Dear lolene! "" he wrote. " thou tender dove That trendilest in thy chilly nest at home. Prithee end)race meek patience till 1 eome. Lo, the swift winds blow freshening o'er the sea. From out the sunset isles I speed to rest with thee!'' The knight's ancestral lunne stood grim and tall Beyond its shadowy moat and frowning wall: It topped a gradual snnnnit crowned i with tir. Green ninrnuirous myrtle, and wild junii>er. Pronting a long. lude. solitary strand, Whereon the earliest sunbeam, like a han('i'('('i\ini;' that tliis scusiilc wiilk. Though gay and jovial tlicii- unstiulicd talk, l>ut dashed her duhious sjiiiits, khidly took And led lier wlicre the hlossoni-hordered hrook J5ai)hled through woodlands, and the iinipid pool Lay eronehed like sonic shy Naiad in the cool Of mossy glades; or when a tedious hour Pressed on her with its dim, Iclhargie l)0\ver, They wooed her with glad ganuis or j(K'und song, Till the dull demon ceased to do her wrong. So, on a pleasant INIay morn, while the dew Sparkled on tiny hedgerow-flowers of blue, Passing through many a snu-brown orch- ard-field. 'J'hey reach a fairy pleasaunce, which revealed Such prospects into breezy inland vales. The natural haunt of plaining nightin- gales. Such verdant, grassy plots, through which th(!re I'olled A gleeful I'ivulet glimpsing sands of gold. And winding slow by clumi)s of plumed liin(>s, K'ich realms of bay, and gorgeous jas- nune-vines. That none who strayed to that fair (lowery place ]la(l paused in wonder if its sylvan grace, Heard as in dreadful trance its billowy I End)odicd, beauteous, with an arch eiu- Now often, wiili iii'r pitying friends beside. She walked the desolate lieacli and wateheil the tide. Forth looking through unconscious tears to \ iew Sail after sail jiass shimmering o'er the blue; And to herself, ofttimes, "Alas!" said she, " Is there no ship, of all these ships I see. Will bring me home my lord ? Woe, woe is mel Though winds lilow fi-esli, and sea-liirds skim I he main. Thou still delay'sl. my liege! X\\, vllL thou come again ".' " Sometimes would she, half-dreaming, sit and think, Casting her dark eyes downward from the brink ; And when she saw those grisly rocks beneath, Kound Avhich the pallid foam, in many a wreath AVhite as the lips of passion, faintly eui'led. Her thoughts would pierce to the drear under-world, '^lid shipwrecks wandering, and lileai'hed hones of thos(_! O'er whom the unresting ocean ebbs and Hows; And though the shining waters hushed and deep, Might slumber like an innocent child asleep, Fi'om out the North her prescient fancy raised Huge ghistlike clouds, and spectral lightnings blazed r th' van of phantom thunder, and th(> roar Of multitudinous waters on the shore. swells Blent with the mournful tone of far funereal bells ! 5)rac(i Had stopi)ed, and smiling, kissed them face to face. A IniovMiil, t>lilli('st>m(> foini>:iny wcri" " llu'v. (irouiH'il roiiiul lilt" i>l(';is;iinu'i' oi\ lliat nil"! 11 ol' M;iy ; \\i(. MMiu, ami liiniliii'; l;uii;hlt'r, ami arrh lo.-ks Thai niiulil have liirt-i! llic w ooil-jioils i'loiu llu'ir nooks. Ki'lioiul ami llaslu'il liUi" ila/zliiii;.' arrows lipi-.^l Willi amorous luMi ; ami now aiul ilion ( luTo slipiH'il l''roiu oiil I ho wliiiiiii^ i-iui; of Joi'iuul uirls, W roalliiiiu w liilo arn;s ami lossiim w an- ion curls. Soiiio inaiilon \vlu>\\ ilh inomonlarv mion Ol'foy iloinui'i'in'ss bout o'or lolono. Ami w hisporoil sunniosi nothi\i;;s in lior I'Mrst 'mid ilio bravo gallants assoniblin^ (horo Aurolian oamo, a smiiro of fair doiiroo. 'rail. \ i^orons, bamlsoino, his w holo ail' so froo. Vol ooinloous, and su.'li prinooly swoot- uoss blonl Willi o\or\ woll liinod. maoofnl ooiiqili- nioiu . Thai sooih lo spoak. whoro'or Aurolian v\onl. 'i'o tuibnloui lili-yanl and baronial hall, Sportiui;- iitioUU)i- at liisiii fostivaU Fax or. likt> sunsbino. tillod bis boart and oyos. Thus nobly i^iftod. biuii-born, opiilont. w isi>. Duo hiddon oniso was bis: for iroublous yoars.* Soort>tly, swayod in lurn by hopos and * Wo !H0 to sunposo thtU Aiirolinu had soon lolono provious to hor iiunrii>j«o, mxi that oi>^ ounistnnoos haU pivvoiitod his hoooininji inli- inato with hor, or in any way i>ri>sooutinjj his suit honostly and trtuilvlv. /./,'(;/ A7'N .IA7' I. Vines. And all iiukiiowii lo hor. bis boart's This yoiiib bad lo\ od w il b w ild. doliri- ous lilo, Tbo lonol\. sad. nm'onsoions loloiio. llo durst not show bow lo\obad brou^bt him loon. Nor (HON o bow doop bis passioiTs inward mi^iil : 'rbiiikin^. half maddoiu'd. on horaliscnt kiiiubt ; Savo that tl.o biirdon of a K>\o lorn lay Would soin.'wbat of his stillod tlaino botray , Ibit in tlioso \auiio otMuplaiuinns pools uso, \\ hou obarjiiu!;' l-ov<>with i>iitra;;o and abuso Of lii-+all poioiil witcbory. " Ah," said bo. ■■ 1 lo\o. lull o\or lo\ o dospomloutlN : I'or llioimb ouo \ isiiin haunts mo. and I burn W^ ludd that ilroau\ inoarnatod. i yearn In \aiii. ill \aiu; lo\ i- broathos no bland rotiirn I '" Thus only did Aiu'cliaii strivo to s1unv W bat pangs of hiddon passion wi>rkod bolow Tito surfaoi' oalnmoss of bis front sori^no; I'liloss porhaps ho mot his boautoous C^hiO(>ti. Soaro<> briubloninj;- at tbo ban»im»t or tho danoo: W'lion. wilb a pioroinu \t"t half-i>iti"ons -laiioo. His oyos would soaroh. tbon strauiioly shun hot' faoo. As vMio oiuidoinnod, who foars to suo for o'l-ai'o. l>ut on this solf-saiuo ilay. wbon liomo ward binuid. Ilor I'ootsiops souubt tbo lonoliost path that wound Tbrougb taiiulod oopsos lo tbo upland p'ound 77//; wirr: of imrrTANV. 123 Ami orchard close;, — licr fair compan- i(jiiH kissed Willi iciirliil lliaiilis, uiiii all kiml I'rii'iids (lisiiiisscd, — Aiuvliiiii, wlio lii(! sc'jn'l pathway knew, 'I'liroii;^!! llic d(!iis(! growl li and -liioiidcd i'<)lia'^(; drew Sr-AV liir pail- (^iiccn, llif lady ol Ids dicains : 'i'lic <'Vt'iiiii;4"s soil, p;illi"cT lirr clrar forclnsid and Iht clicst mil, liiiir. All i;lori(i('d a;s in (•clcsliai air; \'>nl tin; dark eyes a wistlid li,t;id, <-(jn- fcssrd. And sonic sdfl, iniirniiiiin'^ I'ain'ics licavcd lici' lircasl l>cni.t;n!y. like cnaiiinn-d lidrs lliat, rise And sinlc luclodioiis lo llic wcsl, wind's si^dis. Ill- j^a/.i'd. and llii- Ioiil; passion Ik- liad nursed, Impel nous, snddcii, nni-csUaim-d, <>"ci- bnisl All hoimds of custom and enforced r<'- straint: "() lady, hear ine: I am deadly faini, ^^•t wild wilh iovi'I such love as forces man 'I'd heard conventions, trample on the han < )f partial laws, spnrii u itli contemi,! iioiis hate, \V'hat(;"cr would har oi' hlii^ht his hliss- fiil fate, ,\iid in the fevei'ons fren/y of his zeal, l\\cn fiom the shrinkini; (lower he dotes on, steal Hhisli, fraf^rance, and heart-dew I l'"oi'- give! i'ori^ive! What! have I dared to tell tlie<- this, to live For aye hen-after in thy r-old rei^ard? Yet veil thy scorn; nor make moie cold and hard 'i'lic an:la/,ei| ill the I'ylhia's face, and shook her tonn With throes of hali'fiil proph<-ey; a storm SIk! slood iiiciuiiale, in whosit ominous ■jlooiii 'I'liiohhed till- I'd li'/htnin^on the, verge of d<.om. IJiit, as a current of soft air. uiifcli, On till- lower earth, is seen ere long to melt 'I'lie (IJi-piled siu'ge of t<-mi)es's slowly driven In seatt(!red vajiors Ihioii'^h the deeps of heaven. Thus a serener thought tity MiMgh- ing down Ih'r dovelike lids dennu'ely. and a f i-()\\ n Just struggling faimly Miih as faint a smile (For the mute trembling s(juir<' still knelt the while) lU>und llie ai'ch dimples (^f her rosy mouth; Whereon, in fitful fashion, like the South Which sweeps with petulant wing a held of blooms. Then dies a heedless death "monggx)ld- en brooms And lavish shrubbery, brietly she re- sumes, Witli c|uick-drawn l)reatli. the cotu'ses of hei' speech : "Aurelian, rise! lichohrst thou yon- der beach. And the blue waves beyond'.' those bristling rocks. O'er which the chafed sea, in (|uick thun- der-shocks. Leaps i)assionate, panting through the show(>ry spiay. rjoaring detiance to the ralm-ey(>d day ? All. well, fantastic boy! 1 blithely swt'ar When you rude coast beneath us rises ' clear (Down to the farthest bounds t)f wild IJretaigne), Of that black rampart darkejiing sky and main, I'll pay thy vows with answering vows again. And be — (iod save the mark! — thy paramour."' Her W(U(ls struck keen and deep, even to the core Of the rash listener's soul: they seemed to be ^lore fatal in their careless irony Than if the h'vin bolt, hurled from above. Had slain at once his manhood and his love. What mor(> he felt in sooth 'twere vain to tell: He oidy beartl licr whispering. " Fare- t bee-well. And Heaven assoil thee of all sinful .sor- row!" Then with a grace and majesty which borrow Fresh lustrous sweetness from an inward st ress And hidden motion of chaste geutle- uess. She glideth like some beauteous cloud ajiart : Aurelian >aw her pass with yearning l)aiigs at heart. THE WIFE OF BRITTANY. 125 Soul-epochs aro there, when crief s piti- less storm O'erwheiiiis the aiiuized spirit; when the warm Exultant heart whose hopes wei'e l)i'av(» and hiyh, Shi'inks in the darkness withering all its skv: Tlieii, like a wounded l)iid hy the I'lide \s ind riutclied and horne onwai'd, tortnred, re(,'kless, blind. Too flail to struggle with that passion- ate blast, AVe take wild, wavei'ing ooiirses, and at last Are dashed, it may be, on the rooky vei-ge. ■ "Tluisr hristliiij; rocks, (')"cr wliicli the chafed sea, in (luick IliuiuU'r-shocks, Lea|)s iiassiciiiale, pautiug tludugh the showery spray." Or hnrled o'er the nnknown and i)erilous sui'ge Of some dark doom, when, brnised and tempest-tost, AVe sink in lui'i)ulent eddies, and aiv lost. Urged by a mood thus desp<'rate, eare- less what Thenceforth befell him, from that hate- ful spot. The scene of such stern anguish and de- spair, Aurelian rushed, he knew not, n-cked not. wllele. All night he wnndei'ed in the for<'st di'ear. Till on the pale jdiantasmal front of moiu The first thin flickering day-gU'am glanced foi-lorn. Wan as the wraith of ]ierislied hopes, the ghost Of wishe^ long sustained and fostei-ed most. Now gone for cM-rmore. '• O Chiist I that 1,"' 111' muttei'<'d hoarsely, "■ might unsought for lie Here, in the (Hsmal shadows .and dank grass. And close my hea\y eyelids, an 1 : o iiass 126 LEGENDS AND LYRICS. \\\{\\ one brief struggle from the world of men, Never to grieve or languisli, — never again ! Never to sow live seeds of expectation And joyous promise, to reap desolation; But as the seasons fly, snow-wreathed, or crowned "With odorous garlands, rest in the mute ground, Peaceful, oblivious, — a Lethean cloud Wrapped round my faded senses like a shroud, And all earth's turmoil and its juggling show Dead as a dream dissolved ten thousand years ago! " Long, long revolving his sad thoughts he stood, "When gleefully from out the lightening wood Came the shar}) ring of horn and echoing steed ; A score of huntsmen, scouring at full speed, Flashed like a brilliant meteor o"er the scene, In royal pomp of glimmering gold and green ; "Whereat, Mith wrathful gestures, "neath the dome Of the old wood he hastened towards his home, "Where day by day he grew more woeful- pale. Calling on Heaven unheard to ease his bale. Among his kinsfolk, many in hot haste. To salve an imkuown wound with balms misplaced. Came the squire's brother, Curio, — a wise scribe. Modest withal, and nobler than his tribe; "With heart as loving as his brain was wise : He could not see with cold, indifferent eyes Aurelian pass to madness or the grave, "While care and wit of man perchance might save; So, pondering o'er what seemed a des- perate case. At length there leapt into his kindling face The flush of a bright thought. " Ky Heaven!'' cried he, '• O brothei-, there may still be hope fcr thee; Therefore, take heart of grace, for what I tell Doubtless preludes a health-inspiring spell ; And thou, released from this long, sor- rowful blight, Shalt feel the stir of joy, and bless the morning light. ''Ten years — ten centuries sometimes th(>y would seem — Passed idly o'er me like a mystic's dream; Ten years agoiu', ^\ hen these iluU locks of mine Flowed round broad shoulders with a perfiuned shine. And life's clear glass o'erbrinnned with purpling wine, I met in Orleans a shrewd clerk-at-law, One all his comrades loved, yet viewed with awe, To whom the deepest lore of antique ages. The stored secrets of old seers and sages In Greece, or Ind, or Araby, lay bare ; From out the vacant kingdoms of the air. He could at will call forth a hundred forms. Hideous or lovely; the wild wrath of storms ; The zephyr's sweetness; bird, beast, wave, obeyed The luminous signs his slender Maud conveyed, Till-: WIFE OF BIHTFANY 127 At whose weird touch men siek in flesh or brain Teased the hot silence with her twitter- in£i low: Uecaiiic their old, bright, liopcfiil selves | ^ly inmost soul accordant, seemed to aiiaiii. Aurelian, rise! sliake off this vile disease, And ride with me to Orleans; an' it please God and our Lady, we may chance to meet Mine ancient comrade, who M'ith deftest feat Of maslic skill may cut the Gordian knot That lonii liath bound, and darkly binds thy lot." "But," said Aurelian, with a listless tinni Of his drooped head, and wandering eyes that l)urn "With a quick feverish brilliance, "dost thou speak Of thine own knowledge, when thou bid' St me seek This rare magician ? Ilast thou looked on aught Of all the mighty marvels he hath wrought ? ■ ' *' Yea! I bethink me how, one summer's day, He led me through the city gates, away To the dark hollows 'neath a lonely hill: So hushed the noontide, and so breath- less-still The drowsy air, the voice of one far stream Came like thin whispers raurnnn'ing in a dream; The blithesome grasshopper, his sense half closed To all his verdurous luxmy, reposed Pendent upon the qui\ering, spearlike grain; Steeped in the mellow sunshine's noise- less I'ain, All Nature slept; alone the matron wren. From the thick coverts of her thorny den, Languid and dumb within that mystic place. At length the Wizard's- hand across my face Was waved with geiitle motion; a vague mist Flickered before me, on a sudden kissed To warmth antl glory by an influence bright; The strangest glamour hovered o'er my sight. Wherethrough I saw, methought, a palace proud. Crowned by a lightning-veined thunder- cloud, Whose wreaths of vapory darkness gleamed with eyes Of multitudinous shifting fantasies ; Its pinnacles like diamond sizars out- shone The starry splendors of an orient zone; And, leading towards its lordly entrance, rose Through slow gradations to its marbled close. White terraces where golden sunflowers bloomed ; Above a ponderous portal archway loomed, High-columned, quaint, majestical: we passed Within that palace, gorgeous, wild, and vast. Ah ! blessed saints ! what wonders weirdly blent Did smite me with a hushed astonish- ment! A troop of monsters couchant lined our ])ath. Their tawny manes and eyes of fiery wrath Erect and blazing; an unearthly roar Of fury, shaking vaulted roof and floor, 128 LKCF.SDS AM) /^VlilCS. Itiirst fioiu ciu'li s;i\aut', iiiatliciilatc tliroal. In siiUi'ii (M'luiiii:;s lost llirough halls and coui'ls rcniolc. '"At tlic I'ai' end of !;liinin(M'in^' colon- nades Tlial j;l('anied jiinantic llu-ou.i;h thcdnsky shados, 'Two nuuhty doors s\V('i»t backward noist^- Icssly: 'I'hcrc licavcd hcyond ns a vast laborun;- sea ; Not vacant, for a stately vessel bore Swit't down the threatening;- (ides that llasiied before, 'riudni;ed with black-bearded Titans. sncli as moved In t'ar-ol'l' limes heroic, vvcll-belovod «)!' tlu' old -(.(Is; tlieiv at his stalwart ease. .Shonldeiim;- his knotted chib. i;reat. Her- cules Toweled. Ins lierce eyes lonclied to dcnvy li-lil. And rapt on Uylas, who. seriMicly l)iii;ht, AN'illi intense ua/.e niilit'ted. tranced and mnte. Heard, in ecstatic i-everie. the Inte Of (trpiiens iilaininu' to tlie waves that liow And dance snbsidin^' ronnd tlie Ida/oned prow; Till the iMide winds blew meekly, and caress(>d T]i(> nnnuc golden lleeces o'er tlie crest Of l)ard and warrior, on their secret ([uest l)onnd to the i;roves of Oolchis; and tlie bark.' Konnd which had frow ned a threatcnini;- shaiK' and dai'k. Now soeuied to thrill, like some prond. sentient thinj;' That gloi'ies in the prowess of its w inu. Tlu' gnsty billows of that tnrhnlent sea Their wild crests snuxtthed, and slowly. pantimily. Sunk to the (pnet of a charniL-d calm; AVhat odors Hesper(''au, what rich balm Krcinht the fair /.ephyrs. as they shyly rnn O'er the Inlled waters dimpliui;' in llu' sun I And nun'nnn'ini;'s. hark I soft as the louu- diawn kiss I'ressed by a youni;- i^od-lovcr in his bUss On lips innnorlal. when tlie world was new ; -Vnd, lol across the pnre. pellucid blue. A baru;e, with silken sails, w luisc lieautc- ons crew . \Viu^ed fays and ('upids. curl their spoi t i\ (' ai'uis O'l'r one, more lovely in her noontide cliarms Than younuest n\mphsof I'aphos; fra- grant showers Of fi'esheniiiL;' roses, all luxuriant (lowers That feed on eastern dews, their fairy bands Scat(er aboiu her from whi(e liberal hands; ^\'hile o'er (he surface of (he da/./.liui;' wa(er. Hark-eyed. mys(erious. many an ocean danuldcr Mashes a vanishing- l)i'ii;h(ness on her way. Half seen (hroui^li (iny (iuklin;;'s of (he spray : And nuisic its full iiear( in airy falls Outpours, like silvery cascades down tlie walls Of hauiUed rocks, and golden cvudniU rin;;-. And Intelikc measures on V(>lu[)(uous w inu' Kise nendv (o (he (ranci'd heavens, I'e- plyiui;- I'rom a/m'e-(in((>d deeps in a low pas- sionaie siuhini;'. "Then were all climes, all au'cs. wildly blended j 0\\ blood-red lields. w herefrom shrill I shouis ascended THE WIFE OF BIUTTANY. 129 Of iiakfil wiuriors, liiigc and swait of iiiiili. Mi\(Ml willi llir iii;iilcil (Ji'cciaii.s' oiiii- iioiis liNimi, Where iiiinlily banners slailike \vav drooped the dr(jary Iwiliuhl, gloom." Enough, good brother I IJy Uk- Holy licjod Tliy tale is medicinal! the black mood. Which lik(' a si)iritual \ultuie seized and tore. My heart-strings, ami ind)ued its beak in gore Hot from the soul, i)enealh the golden spell Of sovereign hoix-, hath sought, its native hell. Then, hoi for Orleans!"' \t the word he sprung Light to his feet; it seemed there scarcely hiuig One trace of his long madness round him now, So blithe his smile, so bright his kind- ling brow. All day they rof battle, a fresh laurel bough Plucking therefrt)m to tlourish green and high xVbout his war-worn temples' majesty, eyes grew dim. To luiow. kind heaven! how deep her lo\ e for him. Thus mouth on month the cheerful days went by. Like carolling birds across an Ai»ril sky, A fairy sky \uulimmcd by I'louds or showers. But on a morning, whil(> her favorite flowers loleue tended, in the garden-walks Pausing to idip dead leaves and prop the stalks Of drooping plants, herself more swecl and fair Than ain tlower, the brightest thai IiIusIhhI th(-rc. Her lord stole gently on her una\\are; His haughty grace all softened, he bowed (low 11 To kiss the stray curls of her locks of brown, Thick sown with threails of tangled, glimmering gold: "At need," he said, "'thou canst be calm and bold ; Therefore, thou wilt not yield to foolish woe If duty parts us brietly. AVife, 1 gt) To scourge some banded rntlians who of iatc Assailed our peaceful serfs, and our es- tate— Thou knowest it \\v\\ — northwest of renmark town, Kavished with sword and lire. Thy lord's renown. Yea, and thv lord, were soon the scoff of all, " If in his own fair ticf such crimes befall X'nscourged of justice; so, dear love, adieu! Nor fear the end of that 1 have to do." TEE WIFE OF BRITTANY. vn Thus ^piikc the kiiiiiht, who forthwith raiseil a shoul. And bade them brinj; his stalwart v\ar- horse out; Wlien, on the sudden, a steed, tall, jet- black, I,<'tl by a groom caiui' wliinnyiiii; down the track, 'Twixt the green myrtle hedges; at a bound lie vauUeil in the selle; smilingly round He turned to wave "farewell" with mailed hand, And then rode blithely down the sunlit land. That evening, at the close of vesper prayer. Wandering along through the still twi- light air, loleue, somewhat sail and siek in iniiiil, Met in her homewai'd pathway, low-re- clined Heneath the blasted branches of an oak, Auielian, her wild lover of old days: She start(!d backward in a wan amaze. But he, uprising calmly, bowed and spoke ; *'Ha! thou recall'st me, lady? I had deemed These bittcir years which have so scarred and seamed ^^^late'er of grace I owned in youthful prime. Had razed me from thy raemoiy. See a rime Like that of age hath touched my locks to white; Yet never once, — so help me heaven ! — l)y night < )r day, in storm or brightness, hath my soul Veered but a point from thee, its starry goal. A mighty puri)ose doth itself fulfil, Wise men have said. Lady! I love thee still. And Love woi-ks marv(.'ls. Prithee come witli me. Ay, quickly come, and then thyself shall se(! I am no falsehood-n;o:;,'73r. Yea, come, come I '' His woi'ds. his sudde!i passion, smote licr (ilUllll, And from her cluieks, those delicate gar- dens, wane The rare twin roses, as when aiiliimn I'ain, Fatally sharp, sweeps o'er some doomed domain Of mati'on blooms, and their rich colors tad(! Like rainljows slowly dying, shade l)y shade. Unto wan spectres of the flowers that were. With languid head and thoughts of pre- scient fear, Passively following where Aurelian guides, She hears anon tln^ surge and rush of tides On the seashore, and feels the freshen- ing spray Bedew her l)row. "Lady, look forth, and say If, to a love unquenched, un(]uenchabl('. Eternal Xature yields not; its strong spell TIath toiled for me, till the rocks rooted under Those heaving waters have been rent asunder. And the wide spaces of the ocean plain. Down to the farthest bounds of wild Bretaigne, Kise calmly glorious in the day-god"s beam. Look, look thy fill! it is no vaiushing dream: Lo.' noiv I claim thy promise !''' A keen gleam Shot its victorious radiance o'er his brow. But she, bewildered, tremulous, shrink- ing low, la^ hJiU^Mh^ AM> /a/»7(\s. rnvvM'tl v>u hor l>Uiul«Hl 0)«^s{U\»l laltriiiii; Suo»l in u \\»U'o Uko wtiilliu;: wiiul tlmt F(\»>i|>on oov»n'ls vnor U>(»ol> l;»kv\s. In tl\os|uu lu\>i't of in>\uom\>rii>l tloUs, — > A III (ill, soUMuji' vouo, v\ho-so iu>)iul>ih swells, l\>UnV iU-lX'SS lUs OVil 0\U||{UU>U. Sho plouds t\>r l>riv*f vloli»y, with fjvu«loil t;msJkiU>J !»t MMUO »lim pluUdvMU v't' ll>0 ^I'iUu. Sl>aiK>vvlu)f a Vi>j«uo ^loUvoraiuo. "As tlu»u wilt," llo ;u\swoi\hI slowiy. " Woll I Uuow ilu^ .ijuiU or Im\>Kou wnvs o!U\ novor (vsi v»n thoo! Tas^ l>y imluirl I" MuioK sl»o uunovl to NvM" i^xisovl until htMM>lu\ml>oi't'»l pi'ivivoy Sl>o tXNU'Uovl with i»s\^itvii with *luM"t. ju\»i'ulsluHl sobs fvM- btx^nth. ^Tatiiiht tun I. lm\>iwl UKo a pv>or tiut- toi'iivsi bii\l, Oi'vla(kj»UHl>outv^ijUn^ii" fuMi> tlu> liuuHvnt l.iuvvl to {> i>itfaU! Yet sttoh vvuli as ?A«\s- W'oiv suivly voi*l ? If not, l>o Mill sludl luiss — Whato'ov MUlo— his Io»t^«^o\\vot0il hUss; IVtttn* intix^fv^UliHl anus, aukl staiuUvts sloop AYhotv tlu^ j;m>Hl»\H»iMn,«; willvnv- buuuiu^ \voo\>. Thau uuvt a fato sv> lUvloousI Lot uu^ iluuk: OtUoiX"pu»v wivos. bravo vtt-jjltis, o«\ tho bduK Of shamo aiul ruin, havo struck hou»o auvl tUsU 'l\> tiuvl uuouvliu>j vjuiot wiU> tUovloail." Horno down as by a »\onu>n's hand w hloli prossoil Invisiblo, t>ni stitUn>;o>\ hor l>i'x<;>st. With brain bouuu»t>Oil. >oi luunin^;. and a souso IM" uttor. w'oariod, ^losporato linpotonoo, llor l"orlv>rn ulanoo a»\uiU(l lho»lark«M\in>j i\>*uu Uvniusi in holplovs soarvli, lH>u» out tho iilv»ou» ('au,«,ht Iho bluo,i;liit»>rol' a h;dt shoaihoil bla*lo. .\ small but UH^uohaut stool, whosi* h>sn\» playoil r»aK>fully bright. au»l hk»^ a sorpout's t\vo Ki\»-vl on luH' with u»alijiu o\jH»otanoy. Prow lu>rport\>»vtMowanls IVath, ^thal »loalh whloh soouuhI Tho solo, storu moans tlu\>ugh whioh hor lanu* wvIoouuhI. ShouUl svmr in spiritual boauly o'or tho tvunb Whoivin uught i^v^l ht>r bvvly's uiouUK>i^ iui; bU>on>. Ah, uto! tho looks vUstnvujjlu. tho passiv»nato oaiv, Tho wholo wiUl soono, its nilsory a»ul vltvsjmir, tVmo kaok liko soouos of yostoixlay. Ualf bv»wovl Uor tptoonly fvMuu auvl tho pout ijriof allv»wo»l A nuunonrs fi\H^lv>ui shakos hor tv> tho oo»\\ Tho invnvvst si^vt v>f ivason. " All is v»*or." Sho ninnunrs, as hor slondor hngoi^s fool Tho *lv>jully o*lgv of tho *vlvl shinunorin^jj stivL At vMuv hor swift arnv tlashos tv» its hoijiht. WhUo tho poisod ^loath han>£sm»ivoH»\g\ auki hor sij;ht (U\>ws vlaeovl au»l ,«;ivUly : whou fi\Mn far, sv> far It svmn^KHl liko ihv> woiixl voioo of a star. Il<' KniM'l IM a;>i<' ' liii I'vt •'!! ullli im;i|I<«I Iiiiii'I, ,Vii>l iIk'ii i'mIi- lillUiitly (loHii llii' Hiiiilll liiiiil." TllK WIFE OF BiaTTANY. 133 Miilllril l)v (lislaiice, yet distinct and dcVp. AliouL her in Uic tcnihlt' silence creep Accents that seize as with a hodily f()rc(> On licr while arm suspended, and its couisc '!"() fatal issues, witli arresting will Hold rii^id, lill supine it drops and still, IJaek to its (Iroojiiu!;' level, and a claiiii Of the treed steel I hiouiili all tlieehani- l>er rani; Sharply, and soniethini;' shuddered down th(! air Lilvc wings of hallled liouds passing in fierce despair. A warning blent of prescient wrath and prayei- Those accents seemed, where through a pali)ahle dread {[an coldly shivering. " Tause, pause, pause!" they said; '• IJar not thy hopes 'gainst chance of liappier fate! The circuit vast which i-oiuids life's dial- plate Hath many lights and shaatlis of nari'owing scope. As, day by day, iier tijrm of gi-ace l)assed by. Like phantom birds across a phantom sky; Iler lord still al)sent, and Anrelian bound ( l"'or thus he wrote her) to one wcaiy roiuid. Morn after morn, of pacings to and fro, Within the wooded garden-walls below The city's southwai'd portals. " There," said he, " Each (hiy, and all day long, impatiently I wait thy will." As when in dewy spring, 'Mid the moist Irerbage closely nestling, Ofttinu'-s we see the hiuited partridge cling, Panting and scanid, to the thiek-eo\er- ing grass. The. while; above her eoueli d()lh darkly pass What seemeth the, shadow of a giant wing. And sh(!, more lowly, witli a cowering stoo]), Shiv(M'S, expecting the fell, (ieiy swoop Of the i^aunt hawk, that corsair of tlu; l)i"(H'ze, And feels beforehand his sliarj) talons seizi' And rend her tendei' vitals; so at, home, lolene, trembling at the stroke to ii.me. Than one faint moon-iay, through the Touclied by the lurid shadow of lier misty tears Of clouded eveiungs seen on breezeless mountain niei-cs. doom. Lingered; until, ujion a sumiy dawn. Her lord returning, gayly up the lawn ij-:s AX/) i.)i:ics. I'rU'i'd his Itlillu' courser, inul. disinomil- iiiu. caiuc Ipdii licf. warmly uIkw iiij;'. all allaiiu' Willi liopc ami loxc. Hut as licr dreary eyes A\'eri' liirneil on his. a (iiiiek, disi urhed surprise Auil iheu a lernif. siiiole him. and the \ diet' All Jnhilanl. tull-hfeallied 1o say, '• He- joiee. (>iii' loes are slain !"" ela\e slammeriuu' in his I hroal. Jhll she. luM- loose, dishevelled locks alloal Ivoimd the tair-slopiiiL;- shoulders, her hands clasped Ahout hi.s mailed knees, hrokouly liasped Her anu'uish foflh, and told horsoirow- ful laic. l)i/./.\ auil mule, and as (he marhle pale Whereon he leaned, unto lln> desperale .■loM> The Lni.-hl heard all. locked in a cold rc!>osc Moic dread than stormiest passion: lil'e and sli'enulh (Seemed slowly ehhinu I'fom hini, till at Icn-th His soul, like one that walks llu> fatal sand (A\"hose treacluTous smoothm^ss looks a soliil st land, Jhit lemi>ts to ruin), tell all eai'th j^fow dim. And round him saw. as in a chaos, sw im .loy's fair hofi/.on melliim in the cloud. ]>ul soon his stalwart \\ill, nmued and ]ifoud, A\dke lionliki" to action: a switt Ihish Unshed like a sunset ii\er"s reddi'uinu' ulow C>'cr the tempestuous Macknoss of his brow. Pregnant with ihnndcr: thronuh the dis- lual hush. His iiitiless voico, sharp-echoing round ahout 'I'he clan-ill^ court, Icajicil liki-a falchion out. " 'I'luni hasi played with honor as a juu- -Icr's hall: (unl strikes ihcc front thy halanc<'. and Ihclhrall .\rt thou, henceforth, o( one \ ainiilorious de.'d. AVhatI sliall we plant with rash caprice (he seed Of hitti'iiiess, iKir look for some harsli fruit 'I'o spring, untimely from its poisonous roof.' \Vhal! a lewd spark, a pcifiimed pop- in ja\ . Dares in the hroad-hrow cd. honest ^aze of day. To dash a foul tlionuhl. like the hideous spray Of Hell, ri-ht in th> forehead, — and lh\ hand, \\hieh should ha\e lowered as if the lev in-hrand Of scorn and judmnciU armed it, hut a hland' Dismissal si^ns him I not one hint which tells Thy lord, meantime, what loathsonu- sccrcl dwells Here, hy his hearthstone, mulllcd up. coiu'calcd. And like a corse corinptinj;'. till, revealed Hy veuiicful doom, its pestilent odor steals Outward, while all the wln>lesome hlood con-eals 'I'o a chill horror, and the air u'rows \ ilc. And cviMi the blessed sun a death's-head smile .\ssumes in oiu' distempered fantasy'i* r>y Ilcavcnl this witlierinji eurso which hanus o'er thee, O lolenel" — bul lu>re his auufy voice Urokc short, — •"There is no choice," ho moaned. '■ no choice. 7'//A' wirr, or unrn'.w'Y. i:}5 ^^,•^, wil'rl lli:i\ ('lirisl ;i(ljiul'_;r liir il I 'riiri)ll'j,ll llioirirlils ilrctilcil lini'llil ill'. w liilr I licy )i;is.si'(l — 'I'd ('ll{|lr;s, ;is now keen iMliilllily, IJiil lliroii'^li lliis l.roiihloiis i,'l()i)iii my iniiiil (lisccriis < >iic' lonely li.u'lil. lo iiuiiir iis; Id. il iiiiriis l;iiriil, yd, clcHi', liy wliosi' licicr llaiiic J S('(' — All, ^ricf iiiiiliiiii ! ;ili, liiiirr dcsliiiy ! — As ir (Joil's own rinhl liiiiiil llir lii.i/.iii!; jiiiiii And (ii'i'\ hiijr dill sliini|i on soul ;ind ' In tlir liidiid /.rnitli, it. .si i';in,L;i' cloud W'lii'ii piissnl, ;i flickci'iML; poinl I Ihirk! 'I'lic doonii'd lioiii' III liisl ! An !iriiriiooii il. was, .si irlcs.s and <';iln) : l''roni lii'ld and ,i;ard(Ui-clos(! I'ai'c Itrcatlis •d halm .Made I lie air inoisl ainl odoi'ous. .\al iu'<; lay I)i\in(dy |ica,crd'ul ; only I'ai'a.way iinrinlrd lis iiodiii'j,' lianiK'i' weirdly o'er IIh' world ; Whilst lolcnc, her vcilrd head sadly l)0W(!d, Passed lliroiiuli llie j^ay tliofjie and its motley crowd, To w lie|-e a .i^ntiil Willi lowered tliissido a. wood. \\\ lliin'_;s her ma/,e(|, eliaolie laiiey j viewed She howi'd as if a lil;i>l oT sudden wind, Lookeil dre.amlike; e\en Aiireliaii lin- liraiii. 'I'hese lernis of doom : Sliiinir (IikI (h'.KiKiir for hnlli, Sorrnir uii'l /irmihi-cdl.-.' 'riiraniih all, 'I'/niii (riiijKiii, s/lf-iiiralrcd, Nclf-losI ; (IikI SI) Fur,- I he hi, irk J'nnil nf l/ils t ri'iininlKn :f iroc ! " iJrealliinu lull winler, smote her eold and Mind : 'J'licii as one wamleriii'j, in a s<»nl-eeli])se, FcMihly she rose, and with her <|iii\('rin'4 lips Kissed her pale lord, slillimj, onedesolate cry. Anon she moved around him noiselessly lielll on I he small, sweet olljees of love; .\iid sometimes iiansin.LC, she wonlil {.jianee ahove With leafless eyes, for solemn '^riels like; this. I»li<.;hl in^ at, once hotli loot, and llowcis of bliss, .\re arid as tlu; desert, and in vain 'J'hiist forlli(' cooliiij^ fi'eshness of the rain. Fitfully led from lieasnred nook to nook Of lier dear home, she walkeil with far- oi'f look, ,\nd ahsciit finj^crs, Jilyini; honsidiold tasks: liravely lier sunless wretchedness she masks i;erin'^ I heri', 'I'o meel her ill the shadiest forest -lair, (deanieil i;liost ly dim, a. dreailfnl ^host in sooth, — I'"or still a hideous trani'c appeared to press I 'poll her and a, niv,liliiiaie Indplcss- lless, — 'I'o whom she knell in sail ne'chanic '^nise, l'lea,ilin'4 for mercy with siudi piteons eyes. And such s(dl How of sidf-hewailini,' ruth, Aiirelian fell liis passion's (|ui\erini; chords Stilled at the toiicli of those pathetic words. 'J'hat, glance of wild aiipealini; a;.;oiiios. Stirreil hy his nobler natnre'.s f;ravose tresses I lii'ow n In ripiilim;- wa\(>s adow n the heavinu /.one; Once, Iwiee, he kisscil her thus, with re\('renee meek; Ihit when her brinunini;' eyes uplifted, Aurelian now, wiih eloquciU loi)ks to l.'ll What Icndcresl words I'oidd not t'ouvey .so well, Mic only he.irs the tr(H'-stems, tall anil brow n, Theiiolden leaNcsconu' faintly llutterini;' (low II, .\ ml only he;irs ilie wind of sun.set moan: .Midmost ihe Iwili^ht wood the lady shuuls alone. S(nng by his misery inti) frenzied mo- liou. Her lord meantime beside [\w restless oci'an h'oamed, bearkeniuiL; to the mournfid undertone Of the sea's mi,<;hty heart, which touched his ow u, () (iod, howsadlyl when aluiiptly lift- iui;- His fiu'rowcd brow, Ioul;- lixed upon tin- shiftiuii' And mimic whirlw inds o{ loose sand thai Hew Hither and thither, as the brief winds blew \l lilful whiles from o'er the watery waste. He saw, as if slu> spurned (he earth in haste. His i;'cntle wife returninj^, with a face Wheii'on there dwell no shadow of dis- grace; A fac(» that seemed traustii;tu-ed in the li-hl Of i'aradi.so, it shouo so softly bright. licaiitifid ever, round her now there hovered A subtle, new-born i;lory. which discov- ered A shape so (la/zliui^-, you had thought the plume Of some archangers pinion east its iihuMU .\bout her, and the veil of heaven with- drawn, Slu' viewed the mystic streams, tho saiipbire dawn, .Vnd heard the choirs celestial, tier on tier ri>towi'rin,u to the uttermost ^c'ldcii sphere, ^iini;' of a \an(iuislied drcail, a blest re- leas.", '['he ellhieucc and the solemn charm of peace. I'^veniuL;' closed round them: o'er the placid reach Strctcbiuu:,' far northward of thesca-nrrt beach. They iiassed, while night's tirst planet in the sky Fallei-cil from out the stillness timitlly. And iierfnmed bree/.es rustled nuirnnu- iui;- by, "Twixt the grim headlands up the glens lodi.-, .\nd w hite-w iiiged sea-1'irds, with a long- drawn cry, \\'hii'h spake of homeward flight and billowy nest, (danced ihroimh the sunset down the wavering West. THE RIVER. 187 l']\('iiiii.i:; closed o'or thciii, incllowiiig into (liii'k; Ahjiii^ the lioiizoii's cdiic, a tiny spark, Diill-ifil al, lii'st, but l^roadeuiny to a Wllili' And tiMii(|nil oil) of silvcr-strcaniini;- lifiiil, .Slowly tli(! .N'i^hl (^)iiccu lair her licavcni ascends: 'I'lic outlin(!s of those; lovinij,- forms she. Iilnids lulo i't\v(;eii a sincere i)ledgo of faith and a ' merry holMl !'" THE /!/!' /■:/,: ["Man's lile is like a river, which likewise hath its seaiSouH or phases of progress: lirst, its s|ii'ing rise, gentle and beautiful; next, itn siiiiiiiKM-, of eventful maturity, mixed ealin, and slorni, followeil by autuniiuil deeadeneu;, and mists of winter, after wliieh eometh the all-<-iiiliiai'iii}^ sea, type of that mystery wo call cicriiily!'"] I'l' among Hie dcw-lil fallows Slight but fair it took its rise. And thi'ongh rounds of golden shallow.s Hrighlcned under liroadcning skies; Wliile the delicate wind of morning 'I'ouched th(! waves to happier grace, liike, a hn^ath of love's forewarning, Dimpling o'er a virgin face, — 'I'ill the tides of that rare river Mei'ged and mellowed into one. Flashed the shafts from simdaw n's ({uiver Hackward to the sun. Ttoyal breadths of sky-born blushes IJurned athwart its billowy breast, — Ihit beyond those roseate; flushes Shone the snow-wliite swans at rest; iJoiind in grace^ful flights the swallows Dipjicd and soared, and soaring sang, And in bays and reed-bound lioUows, How earth's wild, sweet voices rang! 138 LHaL'^'DS AXD LYJilVS. Till tho strong, swift, lilorious rivor Sooiuoil Willi mi^litior pulso to nm, 'riuis to roll and rush lorovor. liiuigliiiij;- in the sun. Tsay; a sonh'thin:^ horn of sluulow Slowly oivpt tho iiuulsoupo o'or, — lSou\othinu wcinl o'or wavo ami nioatlow. Soniolhinji colli o'or slioani aiul shoro; ^Vhill> on hiiils that j^'loainoil or rhantoii. Sii>U< gray gloom ami silomv grini, Antl tho tronhKnl wavc-hoart pantod. And tho smiling hoavons waxod di)n. And from far strangv spat'os soaward, C>uf of droamy olond-lands dun, Camo a low gust moaning looward. (.'hilling K'af and sun. Thou, from gloom to gloom intonser. (,>n tho laboring .s|roan\lot roUod, Whoro from i-loud-raoks gathorod donsor. llark! tho omiiions thundor knollod! \Vhilo liko ghosts that tlit and shivor. Oown tho n\ists, from mil tho blast, Spootral pinions orossod tho rivor, — Spootral voioos wailing passod! Till tho tioroo tidos. rising starkly, r>l(-ndoil. ti>\\oring imo ouo Mighty wall of blaokuoss. darkly (.Juonohiug sky and siml Thonoo. to soft or soonos it wandorotl. Soonts of llowors aiid airs of balm. .\nd niothonght tho siroamlot pondorod, Consoious of tho blissful oahn: Slow it woinul now. sUnv and slowor l»y still boaoh and ripply bight. And tho voioo of wavos sank lowor, l.adon, languid with dolight; In anil oni tho oordial rivor Strayod in poiiooful onrvos that won dory from tho groat l-ifo-liivor. Uoauty from tho sun I Thonoo ag-jiin with unaintost rangos. 0\\ tho fatofnl stroandot rv>llod Through un>\umboivd.naniolossohang»»s, Shado ami sunshiuo. gloom and gold. Till tho tidos. grown sad and woary. liongod to moot tho nughtior main. And tlioir low-tonod lins^|•^l•^ Minglod with his grand rofraiu; Oh. tln> languid, lapsing rivor. W oak of pulso and soft of tuno, — l.o! I ho sun hath .sot forovor, l.ol ilh' ghostly moon I Ihi! liioucofonh through moon and star- light Snddon-swift tho stroamlol's swoop; Voarning for tho mystio far-liglu. rining for tho solomn dooj*; W'hilo tho old strongth gathors o'or it. Whilo tho old voioo rings snblimo. .Vnd in ]>allid mist boforo it. Fado tho \ihantom shows of limo. — Till with ouo last oildying quivor. .Ml its ohookorod journoy dono. Soaward broaks tho ranson\od rixor. Cioal anil uravo arc won I Tiih: :f hoalthfid bloom about it! \Vhat an I I Sooms broathing round itsdolioato potals I still! ' Wilt thou not tako it. lady, — thou. whoso faoo I Is lovoly }»sa lv>st Aroadian droam, — And plaoo it next thy heart, and koop it ! frosh With balmy dows thy gontlo spirit sonds * Tho cleinonts of this story art> to l>o found in .\polU>uius HhoiUii!!, .nnd l.oijrh Hunt luw onjlKHiioil thoM» in a graooful pivso log^Mid. •Mill llir r;ilcliil SllC.-llllIrl rollcl 'riirciu;^li iiiiiiiuiihi'K'il. ii;iinclcss changes, Shade and Minsliinc, hIimhii and «nld." THE STORY OF GLAUCUS THE ^hES SALTAN. 139 Up to the deep founts of the tenderest eyes That e'er have shone, I think, since in some dell Of Argos and encluinted 'i'hessaly, The poet, from whose heart-lit brain it came. Musing lie passed to a still lonelier place In the dim forest, by this act of grace Lightened and cheered, when, from the copse-wood nigh, There dawned upon his vision suddenly A sliapc, more fah' and lustrous than the star Murmm-ed this record unto her beloved ? j Which rides o'er Cloudland on lie sapphire car TIIK STORY. Glaucus, a young Thessalian, while the dawn Of a fresh spring-tide brightened copse and lawn, Sauntered, with lingering steps and dreamy mood, Adown the fragrant pathway of a wood Which skirted his small homestead pleasantly. — And there he saw a tall, majestic tree. An oak of untold summers, whose broad crown, Qtuvering as if in some slow agony, And trembling inch by inch forlornly down. Threatened, for want of a kind propping care. To leave its breezy realm of golden air. And from its leafy heights, with shriek and groan. Like some proud forest empire over- thrown. Measure its vast Ijulk on the greensward lone. Olaucus beheld and pitied it. lie saw The apiiroaching ruin with a touch of awe. No less than genial sympathy, — for men. In those old times, pierced with a wiser ken To the deep soul of Nature, and from thence Drew a serene and mystic influence, AVhich thrilled all life to music. There- fore he Called on his slaves, and bade them prop j And sometimes, upon warm and odorous the tree. eves, When vesper winds are fluting solemnly. " (xlaucus," she said, in tones whose liquid flow, Mellow, harmonious, passionately low. Stole o'er his spirit with a strange, wild thrill, " I am the Nymph of that fair tree thy will Hath saved from ruin ; but for thee my breath Had vanished mistlike. — my glad eyes in death Been sealed for evermore. Yes ! but for thee I must have lost that half-divinity Whose secret essence, spiritually fine. Hath warmed my veins like Hebe's lieavenly wine. No more, no more amid my rippling hair Could I have felt soft fingers of the air Dallying at dawn or twilight, — on my cheek Have felt tlie sun rest with a rosy streak. Pulsing in languor; noi' with pleasant pain Drooped in the cool arms of the loving Ilain, That wei)t its soul out on my bosom fair. But now. in long, calm, blissful days to be. This life of mine shall lapse deliciously Through all the seasons of the boun- teous year; n( neath my shade mortals shall sit, and hear Benignant whispers in the shimmering leaves; 140 LEGENDS AND LYIUVS. thiniis. — llout'v aiul fruit, — ami tlii'ani tlicv mark till' wings Of Cniiids (liiiioriuii- tlirouj^ii tlio oak- bouglis luKir. All this 1 o\\<' tlu'c. (ilaufus, — all, and morf I Ask what ilioii wilt I — thou shall not ask in \ainl " Thcu (Jhuu'us, uazing' in lior i^lorious ovcs. And rallying- from his lirst unmanned snrpiiso, Kmholtlenod, \oo. Iiy hor soft looks, wlui'li divw A spoil about his lu>ait liko liiv and dow 31inglod and molting in a lovo-chanu bland,— And by tho twinkling o( her moon-whiii- hand. That so(>nu'd to bockon I'oyly tohorsidc. And by hor maidon suootnoss deiliod. And soniothing that ho doomod a doar unrost -IK'aving tho nnvoilod billows of hor broast — (As if hor protoniatnral i>art, as froo And wild as any nuisling of tho loa, A'oarnod wliollv ilownward to hnman- ity)— ■ Emboldonoil thus, 1 sav, (Uauons lo- plio.l: '"O fairost vision! bo mv lovo, — niv brido!" Over hor faoo thoro passod an airy flush, Tho losoato shado, tho twilight of a hlnsli, Kro tho low-whisporing answ or ponsivoly t^tirrod tho dim silonoo in its tranood hush. "Thy suit is grantod, (Canons! though. porohanoo A poril broods ii'or this, thy bright ro- mani'o. J.iko a lono oloudlot o'or a lako that's fair. Whon tho high m>i>n, tiaunt'.ng so hotly now Fades into ovtMiing. tlion may'st moot. mo horo. dust in tho voo\ of this rill-shadowing bough; My favorito boo. my fairy of iho tlowors. Shall bid llnH' oomo to that pnro tryst t>f oui's.'" Who now so proud as (Jlauous '.' •• 1 havo won," Lightly ho said, "tho mar\ollous bon- ison Of lovo from hor in whoso soft-ft>lding arms (iods might forgot Klysiuml ft I hor oharms Aro piMfoot, — porfoot hoavon and por- toot oarth, r>lost and oonnninglod in ono oxt|uisito birth (M' boanty, — and for mo I 1 know not w liy, l>nt rosy Imos o\or soonis to tly liayly hoforo mo, arnioil for \ iotory. In ovory ploasant lovo-strifol ■■ On this thomo Oooply hi' dwi'lt, till a vain solf-ostoom Obsonrod his worthier spirit. Thus ho wont Out from the haunted wood, his nature toned Down to tho eounnon daylight, dison- /oned 0{' all its vart\ ethereal ra\ishmont. Still in this mood, ho sought tho neigh- boring town, IMot with some gay young eon\rados, and sat down To dieo and wassail. All that morn ho played. And quaffed, and sang, and feasted, till tho shade 0( evoning o'or earth's forehead oast a gloom ; And still ho played, when on his ear tho boom TIIF. STOHY OF (II.Arcrs rilF. rilFSSALLW, 141 or ii swit'l. sliiniiii;-, ,\<'ll()\v-l)rv;tslc(| hcc Ifiliii,' out, ils siiiall al.tiiiiii. 'I"citsiii,i;ly Tlie iiiscci, liiiiiiiiK'd jiIkxiL liiiii, wciil aiid r.iiiic, Ami likr ,1 liny lidl of ciivlin-- (lajnc. And (lisciinl Ncciiicl lo (ih.iinis, wlioal, la^l Struck ;iL till' uiiij,'cil toriiKdit le.sl,ily. Tlu! beo — poor i;-o-l)(!L\V(!(!u! — iiiciliier Ihi-Ii Crilrlly lliaillh'd, wilh Icclilc Mill I iM-ill';S, pa>srd JJack to its lidiiic amid llic roljajicd At 1ciil;I|i, ill two most forliiiiali'tlirows, till' gallic Was won hy (ilaiiciis! Willi I riiimpliaiil smilr Ilf soiz(!(l and |)ocli<'tcd a, ,!j;lit,U'nii,sj; pile. Of new sestertii. '"Ay! 'tis e'er llu; same," Jl<' millh'ivd; '-dire t,v woiiicii, ) iiinsi w ill ! J5nt li(,l,i:_|,y \',.niis: ■|\\ci-i- a iiiiriiin;;- sill. And false lo my fond w ild lldwci- of ihc wood l-oiiL;crlo dally here. () {•■(.il ime ! n(K„|, Kind mistress, speed me still! Wdnld I hat eacli lieel Were plumed like happy Hermes'!" His late zeal Spurred 111,. y,,iilh onward lo the plac,. of trysl, — One final burst of sunset — ametliysL, Uuliy, and topaz — Itiazcd anionic the. hou.i,dis, Wlieiire a sad voice, — '> llrm/.-ir of sninuu rn,r.s. W/nll a.y. "Here am I,"' said the voice, so sadly sweet, The iistciK!!' thrilled even to his paiisiii"- feet, — " Here, ri.uhl hel'ore Hk'c, (dancus!" Vet a;,^ain The yoiilli willi straiiiin,!^' eyelialls and hot liraiii. Searched the densi' I liickels, — it was all in vain. "Alas! alas!" (and now a tremnlons moan Sobbed llir)M-li Ihc voice, lik(! a faint minor lone In moiirnfnl himian miisic) — '-111011 canst see .My fa,ee no more, for sternly, drea,rily, A wildei'iii- cloud of sense, that siiall not rise, llalh come between me and thy darkeii- in.L; eyes. Oshallow-hearled ! iicMMinorc on thee Shall visions of that liner world above Dawn from Ihc ehasle auroras of their love: I'lil cimiiion I billies, seen in a funeral haze 01 eartliiness, ami sorrow, and mistrust, WeiL;li the soul down, and soil its holies with diisl ; A hand like i-'ale's wilh eriiel force shall jircss '{'by s]iiril backward into heaviness. And Ihc bas(! realm of that forlorn abyss Wherein the serp(Mit I'assions writhe and hiss ill savaue desolation! IJIind, bliml, blind Art I lion beiKeforlb in heart, and h(jpe, and mind ! l''or he lo w Ikjiii my mc«seiii;er of joy .\nd sootliini^ promise only brought annoy 142 LEGENDS AND LYlilCS. Auil sliaiji ilisquii't in his low-boni lust, — \Vlial, what to liim hind lifituti/'n kiss. The chai-in of lot'ly (■tuivcrsc in the ih'lls. Of iliviiio itiootinji's. musical taicwclls. Ami ^limpsos thmuuh the lliokcriug leaves at niiihl Of such I'air mysteries in a\ve-hushiu_u' li-hl That even 1. who in these t'oi'ests .Iwell riirely with iuuoceut crealiu-es, unto whom All Natui'c ojies Iht iiineiiuost heafl oi l.loom And Messedness, hy some majestii- spell rplifli'il unto fealins inetl'ahle. Faint almost in the splendor laf.uv and clear? The winds have ceased their unu'imir- iuii's, — iMi my ear The rill-sonus n\eli to thfcads of delicate tune. And e\ eiy small iitote daneim;' in the ittoou Expands, and hrijihteiis to a spiritual eye. lauiuii'mc up lo Immoi'tality. Ol then u\v eaithh naiure. looscniuL; slips Down like a uarment. and invisible lips AVhisper the secivts of their happier sphere ! This Miss. O yi>uthl my soul had shart'd with ono AVorthy the gift! Alas! thoirM-\ no\ lie!" The voice died otY towaiil the waning' sun I (.ilancus looked up. — the gaiu\t. gray forest trees Seemed to close o'er him like a vault of stone. ^'Jit^t Goda."' he sighed. " I (tin iinhfti aloni .' " Tin: XFST. Ar the poet's life-core lyinij Is a shehered and sacroil nest. AVhere. as yet. unlh-dged for flying. His callow fancies rest : Fanci(>s. and thoughts, and feelings. Which the mother I'syche iu'eeds. And passions wlmse dim rcNcalings Ihil torture (heir hungry lU'cds. \'(M. — there Cometh a summer .splendor When the golden hn>od wax strong. And. with voices grand or tender. 'I'hev rise to the hea\en of si>nii. lO .1. A. 1). lli:i;i:. at the sweetest horn- of this sweet day. lleii" in the calmest woodland haunt 1 know. Henimiani thoughts around mv memorv play. And in my heart Ao pleasant tancii's lilow. hike llowers turned to thee, radiant and aglow. Flushed hv the light of times forever tied. Whose tender glory pales, but is not dcaii. The warm soiuh wind is like thy gener- ous breath, r.aden with kindly words of gentle cheer. And t>very whispering leaf ahovi> me saith. She whom thou dream'st so distaiu hovers near; ller love it is that thrills the sunset air With mvstie motions froui a time that's "lied. Long past and gone, in sooth. — bill, oh I not dead! MAii