Page images
PDF
EPUB

VII.

Seven hundred leagues, and threescore days

Since the last shore they left;

How sad becomes each mariner's gaze,

Of hope and joy bereft!

How dwelleth now in the heart of each
Madness that cannot be told by speech!

VIII.

"I have left behind me a gentle child,—
I have angered an aged mother,-
And I from my home, in passion wild,
Have lured an only brother!"-

"Their curse be on him-yon dreamer dark," Thus thought the crew of the wandering bark.

IX.

The sun went down on hearts more sad
Than twice in one life may be,
And when he arose he found them glad,
Though still they were on the sea;—
O human spirit!-glad look and word
Were all for the sake of a singing bird!

X.

Such a bird as in spring-time may,
Mid leaves and blossoms flitting,
Please awhile with its dancing play

One in an orchard sitting,

Pouring its soul in gushes strong,
As if it would teach the air its song.

XI.

It sat all day on the mast and sails,
An omen right good to view,

For it told of land, and of dark green vales,
And it told the mariners true.

A prophet's promise-an angel's word—
They were all in the note of that singing bird!

PARSON'S BRIDGE.

BY THE REV. C. HOYLE.

Look on the abyss by time and ruin rent;
Look, and recoil not: steady be the brain,
Firm be the gripe and footstep of descent,
Precipitous, in peril to the chain

Of cliffs, where the rude plank and railing throw
Their frailness o'er the chasm, while foams amain
In eddying gulfs the torrent far below,

Black with the shadow of death! Gaze not on high
To scan the' impending height of mountain brow,
Lost in the cloud and storm; nor let thine eye
Too-daring, meditate the downward gloom
Where horror and despair in ambush lie;
Lest fiends of frenzy hurl thee to thy doom,
And the wild rocks and waters be thy tomb.

[blocks in formation]

Wherefore, Fanny, sing so sweetly?
Like the bird upon the tree,—
Hearts in dozens round you bringing?
Syren! if you must be singing,

Pr'ythee, sing to me!

III.

Wherefore, Fanny, dance so lightly,
Like the wave upon the sea?
Motion every charm enhancing,—
Fanny! if you will be dancing,

Pr'ythee, dance with me!

IV.

Wherefore smile so like an angel,
Angel-like although you be?—
Head and heart at once beguiling,-
Dearest! if you will be smiling,

Pr'ythee, smile on me!

V.

Wherefore flirt, and aim your arrows
At each harmless fop you see?
Coxcombs, hardly worth the hurting,-
Tyrant! if you must be flirting,

Pr'ythee, flirt with me!

VI.

Wherefore, Fanny! kiss and fondle
Half the ugly brats you see?—
Waste not love among so many,—
Sweetest! if you fondle any,

Pr'ythee, fondle me!

VII.

Wherefore wedlock's lottery enter?

Chances for you, one to three!—

Richest ventures oft miscarry,

Fanny, Fanny, if you marry,

Pr'ythee, marry me!

Φ.

« PreviousContinue »