VIII. SHE was a Phantom of delight To be a moment's ornament; I saw her upon nearer view, Her household motions light and free, A countenance in which did meet Praise, blame, love, kisses, tears, and smiles. And now I see with eye serene IX. O NIGHTINGALE! thou surely art A Creature of a fiery heart : These notes of thine-they pierce and pierce; Tumultuous harmony and fierce! Thou sing'st as if the God of wine Had helped thee to a Valentine ; Of shades, and dews, and silent Night; I heard a Stock-dove sing or say Yet to be come at by the breeze : He did not cease; but cooed — and cooed; And somewhat pensively he wooed : He sang of love with quiet blending, X. THREE years she grew in sun and shower, Then Nature said, "A lovelier flower On earth was never sown; This Child I to myself will take; She shall be mine, and I will make A Lady of my own. Myself will to my darling be Both law and impulse: and with me The Girl, in rock and plain, In earth and heaven, in glade and bower, Shall feel an overseeing power To kindle or restrain. She shall be sportive as the Fawn And hers shall be the breathing balm, And hers the silence and the calm Of mute insensate things. The floating Clouds their state shall lend To her; for her the willow bend; Nor shall she fail to see Even in the motions of the Storm Grace that shall mould the Maiden's form By silent sympathy. The Stars of midnight shall be dear To her; and she shall lean her ear In many a secret place Where Rivulets dance their wayward round, And beauty born of murmuring sound Shall pass into her face. And vital feelings of delight Shall rear her form to stately height, Her virgin bosom swell; Such thoughts to Lucy I will give While she and I together live Here in this happy Dell." Thus Nature spake - The work was done How soon my Lucy's race was run! She died, and left to me This heath, this calm, and quiet scene; The memory of what has been, And never more will be. |