XXXVI. UPON my First's blue stream The moon's cold light is sleeping; His boat should cleave the water; The shroud her marriage vest The stone her nuptial pillow So, in my Second let her rest, Go solemn Song, to chide him ; AUGUST, 1829. XXXVII. He hath seen the tempest lower; He hath dared the foeman's spear; He hath welcomed death on tide and tower: How will he greet him here? My First was set, and in his place You might see the dark man stand, With a fearful vizor on his face, And a bright axe in his hand. Short shrift, and hurried prayer: The dark man grinned in bitter scorn; "Rise-thou art pardoned !"-vain! Lift up the lifeless clay; On the skin no scratch, on the steel no stain,-- The dark man laid his bright axe by As he heard the tower clock chime; And he thought that none but my Whole would de A minute before the time. JULY, 1829. XXXVIII. THERE hangs a picture in an ancient hall : And she is running from her task or toy There is another picture ;-that wild youth Is grown to manhood; by the great salt lake He clasps his new sword on; and gentle Ruth Smiles, smiles and sobs, as if her heart would break, And talks right well of constancy and truth, And bids him keep my Second for her sake,A precious pledge that, wander where he will, One heart will think and dream about him still. And yet another picture; from far lands The truant is returned; but ah, his bride, Sickness hath marred her beauty! mute he stands, Mute in the darkened chamber by her side; And brings the medicine, sweetest from those hands, Still whispering hope which she would check or chide. Doth the charmed cup recall the fainting soul E'en from Death's grasp? Oh! blessings on my Whole! i 1831. THE END. BRADCURY AND EVANS, PRINTERS, WHITEFRIARS. |