That sparkles as it flows. Be still the Fairy of the dance, And keep that light and merry glance, Yet do not, in your pride of place, (JUNE 25, 1821.) ON THE DEATH OF A SCHOOLFELLOW. TRANSLATED FROM SOME LATIN VERSES BY THE REV. E. C. HAWTREY. SNATCHED from us in thy sinless years, 'Tis sweet, poor Boy! and yet 'tis pain, Though life and hope are fled, c'en now To cling with rapture, long and vain, Upon thy moistened cheek and brow; Until we fancy that a gleam Again hath lit that glazing eye, And call upon thy lips, and dream We hear those lifeless lips reply. Yet, while the words are on my tongue, Corruption awes me! and aside I shrink from that to which I clung, And feel what love would wish to hide And, while thy cold remains we lay I turn me from the frame's decay, To muse on that which knoweth none. Unhurt, undying, undecayed, Thy soul exists beyond the tomb! And, while I wander down the glade, Whose beauties now are wrapt in gloom Thy spirit comes at evening's hour, And thus it says, or seems to say: "Lament not, though the cherished flower Hath bloomed and faded in a day; "And let not them that gave me birth, And let not her that closed my eyes, Weep o'er me in my bed of earth, Or sorrow at my obsequies! "The rays of Heaven around me shine,Why should they pine in earthly cares? Eternity of bliss is mine, Why should a moment's pang be theirs?" (1821.) SONNET. Ir when with thee I feel and speak What not with others I have felt and spoken, It is not for the beauty of thy cheek, Nor for thy forehead fair, Nor for the dark locks quietly sleeping there, Nor for thy words of kindness, Friendship's token; But rather, that I trace Passion and purity in that meaning face; A breathing part of that celestial Whole, (CAMBRIDGE, December, 1821.) |