第3章
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  THELOCKOFHAIR。

  Itisinsoothalovelytress,Stillcurledinmanyaring,AsglossyastheplumesthatdressTheraven’sjettywing。

  Andthebroadandsoul—illuminedbrow,Abovewhosearchitgrew,Waslikethestainlessmountainsnow,Initspurityofhue。

  Imindthetime’twasgiventome,Thenight,thehour,thespot;

  Andtheeyethatpleadedsilently,\"Forgetthegivernot。\"

  Oh!myriadsofstars,onhigh,Weresmilingsweetlyfair,ButnonewaslovelyastheeyeThatshonebesidemethere!

  AboveourheadsanancientoakItsstrong,widearmsheldout,Andfromitsrootsafountainbroke,Withatinylaughingshout;

  AndthefairypeopleofthewildWerebendingtotheirrest,AstrustinglyassleepsthechildUponitsmother’sbreast。

  Soft,silverycloudlets,pureandwhite,Alongtheskywerehung,AsifthespiritsofthenightTheirmantlestherehadflung;

  Andthenthenight—breezepensivelySighedfromitsunseenthrone,Andfaro’erfield,andflower,andtree,Ahallowedlightcamedown。

  ButinourbreastswasspringingupAsomethinglovelierfar,Thanfield,ortree,orflow’ret’scup,Orsun,ormoon,orstar!

  Weheedednotthefountainnear,Itssongofgladnesssinging,Forinourheartsafountmoredear,Andpure,andsweet,wasspringing。

  Andshewasonewhomfortune’ssmileHadgladdenedfromherbirth,Yetherhighspiritknewnoguile,Noblotnorstainofearth;

  AndIwasbutafriendlessboy,Andyetherheartwasmine;

  Iknewit,andthethoughtwasjoy,Ajoyall,alldivine!

  FromoutabraidedmassshetookThissinglelockofjet,AndgaveitwiththatpleadinglookWhich,said,\"Donotforget。\"

  Forget!assoonthewavesthatrollTheocean’scavesabove,Maytelltheirsecrets,asthesoulForgetitsearliestlove。

  Ithasbeenwithmenowforyears,Longyearsofcareandstrife,AndshallbewithmetilltimewearsAwaymyweboflife。

  Andwhendeath’skeen,resistlessdart,Shallbiditssorrowscease,Thistressshallrestuponmyheart,Itstalismanofpeace。

  \"’TwaslittleshethoughtthatIstoodbreathlessbyhersidelisteningtothesongshesangasshesatbythesea’sedge,ponderingsodeeply,uponmetooperhaps,thatthewhitefoamglimmeredonherbrowunheeded。\"

  Onagh,ThePaleChildoftheBrehonKing。

  Shestoodbesidethewidewildsea,Thewindshowledhoarseandhigh,Anddarkclouds,driftingdrearily,Swepto’erthestarlesssky。

  Herbreastwaswhiteasmountainsnow,Herlockshunglooseandfree,Thefoamthatglimmeredonherbrow,Wasscarcesopaleasshe。

  Shesangamournfulsongoflove,Oftrustinglovebetrayed;

  Ah,whydidhewhowonher,proveSofaithlesstothemaid?

  \"Whypinesmyheartsowearily,Whyheavesmyachingbreast,Andwhyissleepsofarfromme,Whenothersareatrest?

  \"Thou,truantwanderero’erthedeep,Thecauseofallmycares;

  FortheeatnightIwakeandweep,Whennonemaymarkmytears。

  \"Iseekthefestivehallnomore,ItsmirthnomoreIcrave;

  Myheartislonelyastheshore,Andrestlessasthewave。

  \"MysoulhasstruggledtoforgetItssleepless,fatalflame;

  Iknowthyvowswerefalse,andyetMyloveisstillthesame。

  \"Stillo’erthedreamInursedtoowell,Myburstingheartwillyearn;

  Foreverwithmemustitdwell,——

  Oh,wanderer,return!\"

  Awhitesailflutteredinthewind,Alightbarkskimmedthesea,——

  Itcamelikehopeacrossthemind,Asswiftandsilently。

  Theshell—strewnbeachthatedgedthemain,Amanlyfootsteppressed;

  Thewandererhadreturnedagain,——

  Themaiden’sheartwasblessed!

  THEDESERTED。

  \"Come,sittheebymysideoncemore,’Tislongsincethuswe’met;

  Andthoughourdreamofloveiso’er,Itssweetnesslingersyet。

  Itstransientdayhaslongbeenpast,Itsflamehasceasedtoburn,——

  ButMemoryholdsitsspiritfast,Safeinhersacredurn。

  \"Iwillnotchidethywanderings,NoraskwhythoucouldstfleeAheartwhosedeepaffection’sspringsPouredforthsuchloveforthee!

  Wemaynotcurbtherestlessmind,NorteachthewaywardheartToloveagainstitswill,norbindItwiththechainsofart。

  \"Iwouldbuttelltheehow,intearsAndbitterness,mysoulHasyearnedwithdreams,throughlong,long,years,Whichitcouldnotcontrol。

  Andhowthethoughtthatclingethto,Andtwinethroundthepast,Foreverinmyheartshallglow,Andbesaveonemylast。

  \"Theysaythouhastanother’slove,——

  Well,cherishit,butthouItslackofstrengthanddepthwiltprove,Shouldsorrowcloudthybrow。

  Thoughshemayownastatelierform,Afairercheekthanmine,Herheartcannotsowellandwarm,Respondeachthrobofthine。\"

  Herwordsweregentle,buttheirtoneWassadassorrow’ssigh,——

  Atear—droptrembledinhisownAshesoughtherdowncasteye。

  AchordwasstruckwithinhisbreastThatlonguntouchedhadlain,Oldmemoriesstartedfromtheirrest,——

  Themaidwaslovedagain。

  Stanzas。

  On!therearehoursofsadness,whenthesoul,Tornfromitseverystay,andcrushedbeneathItsmanygriefs,andspurningfaith’scontrol,PantswithanearnestlongingforthedeathWhichwouldforevercloseitsdarkcareer,Withthepaleshroudandtheremorselessbier;

  Whentheharsh,sterilenothingnessoflife,Firstbreaksuponthehope—deludedbreast,AndtheheartsickenswiththebootlessstrifeThatwringsitschords,andlongstobeatrest;

  Ev’niftheblowthatfreesitfromdistress,Shouldstrikeitintoutternothingness。

  Ah,nothingness!Thethoughtattimeswillcome,ThemindwillwrestlewiththemysteryThatcloudsitsbeing!fromitsclay—madehome,Itsdwellingofam6ment,itwillfleeIntothefardepthsofthevastUNKNOWN,Initsvainsearchingsforth’eternalthroneOfthatOmnipotencewhichgaveitbirth,And,givingitanaturewhichmightsuitAseraph,bounditsdestinytoearth!

  Andafewyears,inwhichtoeatthefruitOflife’sstrangetree,sobitteratitscore,Thendeath,thequietgrave,sleep,and——whatmore?

  Whencecamewe?whithergowe?AllisstillAndvoicelessinthepast!AveilisdrawnAcrossthefuture!bylife’smysticrillWesitandponder,watchingforthedawnOfsomeyetunconceived,far—reachingthought,Bywhichournature’ssecretshallbetaught!

  Whysorrowisourelement——whysinIsnativeinus——bywhatcursewebearAneveraching,crushingvoidwithinOursecretsouls!andwhythelittleshareOfhappinessthatmingleswithourfate,Isofsuchfleeting,transitorydate1

  Ourloves!ourhopes!whatarethey?fruitswhichturnToashesonourlips!illusivelightsThatcastamoment’sbrightnesswhiletheyburn,Thendie,andleaveadarknesswhichaffrightsOurspiritswithitsthriceredoubledgloom,Makingtheskyapall——theearthatomb!

  Andyetthesearethealloflifeforwhich’Tisworththewearingofitschaintoknow,Wealth,fame,andpowerarebuttoys!therich,Thehighandmighty,withthebaseandlow,AlikebeforethereaperDeathmustfall,——

  Sobeit!inthegraveisrestforall。

  Stanzas。

  Whentheleafisonthetree,Andthebirdisinthebower,Andthebutterflyandbee,Bearitstreasuresfromtheflower;

  Whenthefieldsputonthesheen,Thattoyoung—eyedSpringbelongs;

  Whenthegrovesandforestsgreen,Echowithathousandsongs;

  WhenwildBeautywandersforth,Giving,withnostintedcare,Allherlovelinesstoearth,Allhersweetnesstotheair:

  Thentheheart,withgladnessstirred,Mindfulofitsgriefsnomore,Mountsandcarols,likeabirdWhenthepearlyshoweriso’er!

  Butthesummer’ssunnyhours,Aswecountthem,passaway;

  Anditsfairestfruitsandflowers,Arebutfoodforsterndecay。

  Thenwithwailings,deepandloud,Likethesea’sinitsunrest,Winterspreadshisicyshroud,O’erthebareearth’sfrozenbreast。

  Thusthespirit’searlygladness,Sorrowchillsortimeremoves;

  Andthesoul,intearsandsadness,Mournsitsperishedjoysandloves。

  Hopewillloseitstrustingboldness,Onebyoneitsbeamsdepart,AndDespair,withicy,coldness,Windsitsmantleroundtheheart。

  AFTERWITNESSINGADEATH—SCENE。

  Presscloseyourlips,Andbowyourheadstoearth,forDeathishere!

  Markyenothowacrossthateyesoclear,Stealshiseclipse?

  Amomentmore,Andthequickthrobbingsofherheartshallcease,Herpain—wrungspiritwillobtainrelease,Andallbeo’er!

  Hush!SealyeupYourgushingtears,forMercy’shandhathshakenHerearth—bondsoff,andfromherliphathtakenGrief’sbittercup。

  YeknowthedeadAretheywhorestsecurefromcareandstrife,——

  Thattheywhowalkthethornywayoflife,Havetearstoshed。

  Yeknowherpray’r,Wasforthequietofthetomb’sdeeprest,——

  Love’ssepulchrelaycoldwithinherbreast,Couldpeacedwellthere?

  Atalesoontold,Isofherlifethestory;shehadloved,Andhewhowonherhearttolove,hadprovedHeartlessandcold。

  Layhertorest,Whereshinesandfallsthesummer’ssunanddew;

  FortheseshouldshineandfallwhereliessotrueAndfondabreast!

  AfullreleaseFromeverypangisgiventothedead,——

  Soonthestoneyeplaceaboveherhead,Writeonly\"Peace。\"*

  WhenSpringcomesback,Withmusiconherlips,——joyinhereye,——

  Hersunnybannerstreamingthroughthesky,——

  Flow’rsinhertrack——

  Thencomeyehere,Andmusingfromthebusyworldapart,Dropontheturfthatwrapshermoulderingheart,SweetPity’stear。

  *ThemosttouchinglybeautifulepitaphIhaveeverread,waswritteninthatoneword,\"Peace。\"Itseemedlikethelastsighofadepartingspirit,overtheclaywhichitwasabouttoabandonforever。

  LOVEANDFANCY。

  \"Whenever,amidbow’rsofmyrtle,Love,summer—tressedandvernal—eyed,Atmornoreveisseentowander,Adark—hairedgirlisathisside。\"

  DeLaHogue。

  Onemorn,justasdayinthefareastwasbreaking,YoungLove,whoallnighthadbeenrovingabout,Acharmingsiestawasquietlytaking,Hisstrength,byhisrambles,completelywornout。

  Roundhisbrowawreath,wovenofeveryflowerThatspringsfromthehillside,orvalley,wasbound;

  Inhishandwasarosehehadstol’nfromsomebower,Whilehisbowandhisquiverlaynearontheground。

  WildFancyjustcamefromherkingdomofdreams,Thebreathoftheopeningdaytoenjoy,AndtocatchthewarmkissofitsfirstgoldenbeamsOnhercheek,caughtaglimpseoftheslumberingboy!

  Withalight,noiselessstepshedrewneartothesleeper,Andgazedtillhersnowy—breastheavedasoftsigh;

  Thenshebadesleep’sdullgodbringasounderanddeeperAndheaviertranceforLove’sbeautifuleye。

  Thenbacktohershadowykingdomsheflow,Andcalledupthebrightmysticformsshehasthere;

  Andfillinganurnfromafountainofdew,ShebadethemallstraighttoLove’scouch—siderepair。

  Theycame,andstoodround,asherhand,o’erhispillow,Fromachaliceofpearl,poureditsmagicalstream:

  Whilehisredrosylips,thatnowsighedlikeabillowAtplaywiththebreeze,toldhowsweetwashisdream。

  Hedreamedthathesatonashiningthrone,wroughtOfthepurestofgoldthattheearthcouldsupply,Whileatrioofbeautifulmaids,whoeachbroughtAgiftforhisshrine,insuccessionpastby。

  FirstFame,withthestepandtheglanceofaqueen,Cameup,andbeforehimbentdownherproudknee,Andheldupagarland,whereonplayedthesheenOfthebeamswhichinsureimmortality!

  NextWealth,thesternmistressofmen,forwhosesmileTheytoillikethegalleyslave,——broughtinherhandThefairgemsofmanyanoceanisle,Andthediamondsofmanyafaroffland。

  AndBeautycametoo,withherblue,laughingeye,Herfairflowinglocks,andhersoftrosycheek,Andredlips,whosesweetsmiletoldsilentlyThetalewhichtheyseemedashamedtospeak。

  ’Neaththeshadeofapalmbranchafourthonestoodby,WithlockslikeinhuetothetressesofNight,Withapale,pensivebrow,andadarkdreamyeye,Wherethesoulofsweetsoftnesslaygleaminginlight!

  ItwasFancy:Lovegazed,andhiseagereyeshoneWithalustreoffeeling,deep,fervent,andsweet;

  AndhethoughtitwerebettertogiveuphisthroneForaplace,onhisknees,atthecoymaiden’sfeet。

  Andfromthatbrighthour,throughcalmandthroughstorm,Throughthesunlightofsummer,andwinter’sdarkreign,Thesetwainhavebeenboundbyties,tenderandwarm,Whichne’erthroughalltimeshallbeseveredagain。

  AndeverwhereLoveweaveshisfondwitchery,WillFancytheaidofherbrightnessbestow,Andgivethelovedobject,whateveritbe,Apurer,adearer,aheavenlierglow!

  LINESWRITTENINAYOUNGLADY’SALBUM

  ’Tisnotinyouth,whenlifeisnew,whenbuttoliveissweet,WhenPleasurestrewsherstarlikeflow’rsbeneathourcarelessfeet,WhenHope,thathasnotbeendeferred,firstwavesitsgoldenwings,Andcrowdsthedistantfuturewithathousandlovelythings;——

  Whenifatransientgriefo’ershadesthespiritforawhile,Themomentarytearthatfallsisfollowedbyasmile;

  Orifapensivemood,attimes,acrossthebosomsteals,Itscarcelysighs,sogentleisthepensivenessitfeelsItisnotthenthe,restlesssoulwillseekforonewithwhomTosharewhateverlotitbears,itsgladnessoritsgloom,——

  Sometrusting,tried,andgentleheart,sometrueandfaithfulbreast,Whereonitspinionsitmayfold,andclaimaplaceofrest。

  Butoh!whencomestheicychillthatfreezeso’ertheheart,When,onebyone,thejoysweshared,thehopesweheld,depart;

  Whenfriends,likeautumn’switheredleaves,havefallenbyourside,Andlife,sopleasantonce,becomesadesertwildandwide;——

  Asforherolivebranchthedoveswepto’erthesullenwave,Thatrolledabovetheoldenworld——itsdeath—robeanditsgrave!——

  Sowillthespiritsearchtheearthforsomekind,gentleone,Withittoshareherdestiny,andmakeitallherown!

  TOALADY。

  SuggestedByHearingHerVoiceDuringServicesAtChurch。

  Atnight,invisions,whenmysouldrewnearTheshadowyconfinesofthespiritland,Wild,wondrousnotesofsonghavemetmyear,Wrungfromtheirharpsbymanyaseraph’shand;

  Andformsoflight,too,moredivinelyfairThanMercy’smessengertoheartsthatmourn,Onwingsthatmadesweetmusicintheair,Haveroundme,inthosehoursofbliss,beenborne,And,filledwithjoyunutterable,I

  Havedeemedmyselfabornchildofthesky。

  Andoften,too,atsunset’smagichour,Whenmusingbysomesolitarystream,Whilethoughtawokeinitsresistlesspow’r,AndrestlessFancywoveherbrightestdream:

  Mysterioustongues,thatwerenotoftheearth,HavewhisperedwordswhichImaynotrepeat,——

  ButThoughtorFancyne’erhavegivenbirthToformandvoicelikethine,——sofairandsweet!

  NorhaveIfoundthemwhenmyspirit’sflightHadbornemetothefarshoresofdelight。

  Abovethemurmursofanhundredlips,Theyrose,thosesilverytonesofpraiseandpray’r,Softasthelightbreeze,whenAuroratripsTheearth,and,lightingupthedarkenedair,Carolshergreetingstothewakingflow’rs!

  TheyfelluponmyheartlikesummerrainUponthethirstingfields,——andearlierhours,WhenItoobreathedth’adoringpray’randstrain,Camebackoncemore;thepresentwasbeguiledOfhalfitsgloom,andmywornspiritsmiled。

  Pray,lady,thatthesad,soul—searingblight,WhichcomesuponuswhenwetreadthewaysOfsin,maynotbesufferedtoalightOnthypurespiritinitsyouthfuldays;

  OrlikethefruitageoftheDeadSeashore,Tho’outwardbloomandfreshnessthoumay’stbe,Sternbitternessanddeathwillgnawthycore,Andthouwiltbeaheart—scathedthinglikeme,Bearingtheweightofmanyyears,erethouHastlostyouth’srosycheekandlinelessbrow。

  IMPROMPTU,OnTheReceptionOfALetter。

  Iwouldlovetohavetheenearme,ButwhenIthinkhowdrearIseachhopethatusedtocheerme,Iceasetowishtheehere。

  Iknowthatthou,wouldstnotshrinkfromThestormsthatburstonme,ButthebitterchaliceIdrinkfrom,Iwillnotpasstothee。

  Iwouldsharetheworldwiththee,wereitWithallitspleasuresmine,ButthesorrowswhichIinherit,Ineverwillmakethine!

  THEOLDMANANDTHEBOY。

  \"Glenara,Glenara,nowreadmemydream。\"

  Campbell。

  Father,Ihavedreamedadream,WhentherosymorninghourPoureditslightonfieldandstream,Kindlingnaturewithitspow’r;——

  O’erthemeadow’sdewybreast,Ihadchasedabutterfly,Temptedbyitsgaudyvest,Stillmyvainpursuittoply,——

  Tillmylimbswerewearygrown,WiththedistanceIhadstrayed,ThentorestIlaidmedown,Whereabeechtreecastitsshade,Soonaheavinesscameo’erme,Andadeepsleepsealedmyeyes;

  Andavisionpastbeforeme,Fullofchangingphantasies。

  FirstIstoodbesideabower,Greenassummerbow’rcouldbe;

  Vineandfruit,andleafandflower,Mixedtoweaveitscanopy。

  Andwithinreclinedaform,Asembodiedmoonlightfair,Withasoftcheek,freshandwarm,Deepblueeyeandsunnyhair。

  Byhersideagobletstood,Suchasbacchanaliansbrim;

  Hightherichgrape’scrimsonblood,Sparkledo’eritsgildedrim。

  AsIgazed,shebowedherhead,Withagayandgracefulmove,Andinwordsofmusicsaid,\"Drink,andlearntheloreoflove!\"

  NextIstoodbesideamountain,Ofmajesticformandheight;

  Cliffandcrag,andglenandfountain,Mingledtomakeupitsmight。

  OnitsloftybrowweregrowingFlowersneverchilledbygloom,Fortheskyabovethemglowing,Dyedthemwithadeathlessbloom。

  AndIsawthecrystaldome,Wondrousinitsmajesty,Whereearth’sgreatonesfindahome,Whentheirspiritsaresetfree。

  Byitsportals,IespiedOnewhokeptthecourtswithin;

  Highhewavedawreathandcried,\"Comeuphither,——striveandwin!\"

  Thenmyvisionchangedagain:

  Inafairy—colouredshell,O’erthewidesea’spathlessplain,Iwasspeeding,fastandwell。

  Suddenly,beneathitsprow,Partedweretheazurewaves,AndIsawwhere,farbelow,Yawnthevastdeep’ssecretcaves。

  WheretheSyrensingshersong,TooldOcean’ssonsanddaughters;

  Andthemermaidsdancealong,Tothemusicofthewaters。

  Wherethecoralforesto’er,Stormortempestne’erisdrivenAndthegemsthatstrewitsfloor,Sparklelikethestarsinheaven。

  Treasures,suchasnevereyeOftheearthhaslookedupon,Goldandpearlsofmanyadye,Thereinrichprofusionshone。

  Andavoicecametomyear,Saying,inastern,coldtone,Suchaschillstheheartwithfear,\"Seizeandmaketheprizethineown。\"

  Thenacrossacloudedwild,Loneanddrearanddesolate,Wherenocheerfulcottagesmiled,Ipursuedthestepsoffate。

  Everbearinginmybreast,Thoughtsalmosttomadnesswrought;

  Ever,everseekingrest,NeverfindingwhatISought——

  TillIgavemywanderingso’er,Byablackandicystream,——

  DeepIplungedandknewnomore:——

  Father,readmenowmydream。

  Theoldmanbowedhishead,Andpressedhisthinhandtohiswitheredbrow,AsifhestruggledwithsomerisingthoughtWhichshouldhavekeptitsplaceinmemory’surnTillhehadcasttheshadowfromhissoul,WhichforawhilehadbounditinaspellBornofthebygoneyears,——thenthushespoke:

  Nowlisten,boy,andIwillshowtotheeTheimportofthyvision,——IwilltellTheewhatitsscenesandshapesofmysteryForeshadowofthefuture,——forfullwellIknowthewizardlore,whosewitcheryBindse’enthetimetocomeinitswildspell!

  AndfromapproachingyearsaknowledgewringsOfwhattheybearupontheirviewlesswings。

  Alonglife’swearywayofpainandcare,Fromearliestinfancytoeldestage,Forms,viewlessasthesoft—breathedsummerair,Attendman’sfootstepsinhispilgrimage;

  Andifhisdestinybedarkorfair,IfPleasuregilds,orSorrowblotsthepageWhereonistracedhishistory,stillhisearWillevercatchtheirwarningvoicesnear。

  Andthey——thoseguardianones,who,whilethysleepHungo’ertheelikeacurtain,camearoundAndfannedtheetillthyslumbergrewmoredeep,——

  Flungo’erthyrest,soperfectandprofound,Adreamwhosemem’rythousbouldsteverkeepBoundtothyspirit,foraltho’itwound,Thyyoungheartnow,perchance,inafteryears,’Twillsavetheemuchoftoil,andmanytears。

  Itwasadreamoflife:ofboyhood’sstrongAndsoul—consumingyearningsafterlove!

  Hiseagersearchtofind,amidthethrong,Somehearttogivehimthoughtforthought——tomoveAndminglewithhisown,astwinesthesongFromBeauty’slyreandlips!toknowandproveThedearestjoytocare—cursedmortalsgiven,Theonewithleastofearth,andmostofheavenOfmanhood’sceaselessstrivingsafterfame,——

  Theveriestphantomofallphantasies——

  Forwhichhewieldsthesword,orlightstheflameWhoseredglaremocksanation’sagonies,——

  Orbyhisstar—outwatchingtaper,pliesHispenorpencil,togain——what?aname,Apassingsound——anecho——amerebreath,Whichhe,vainfool,dreamsmightierthandeath!

  Andofalaterperiod,whenthesoulForsakesitshighresolvesandwilddesires,WhensternAmbitioncannomorecontrol,AndLovehasshroudedo’eritssmotheredfires;

  WhenExpectationceasestoconsole,AndHope,thelastkindcomforter,expires;

  AndAvarice,monsterofthegildedvest,Creepsinandoccupiesthevacantbreast。

  Andthenthelastsadscene:Thesickheart,soreAndfaintingfromitswounds——thepalsiedlimb——

  Thebrowwhosedeath—sweatpeepsfromeverypore——

  Theeyewithitslong,wearywatchgrowndim——

  Thewithered,wancheek,thatshallbloomnomore——

  ThelastdregsdrippingslowlyfromthebrimOflife’sdrainedcup,——behindallgloom,beforeAdeep,darkgulf——weplunge,andalliso’er!

  ACLEATTHEGRAYEOFNERO。

  ItisacircumstanceconnectedwiththehistoryofNero,thateveryspringandsummer,formanyyearsafterhisdeath,freshandbeautifulflowerswerenightlyscattereduponhisgravebysomeunknownhand。

  TraditionrelatesthatitwasdonebyayoungmaidenofCorinth,namedAcle,whomNerohadbroughttoRomefromhernativecity,whitherhehadgoneinthedisguiseofanartist,tocontendintheNemean,Isthinian,andFloralgames,celebratedthere;andwhencehereturnedconquerorinthePalaestra,thechariotrace,andthesong;bearingwithhim,likeJasonofold,asecondMedea,divineinformandfeatureasthefirst,andwholikeherhadleftfather,friends,andcountry,tofollowastranger。

  Eventheworsethansavagebarbarityofthissanguinarytyrant,hadnotcuthimofffromallhumanaffection;andthoseflowersweredoubtlessthetributeofthatyounggirl’sholyandenduringlove!

  Whosenameisonyonletteredstone?whoseashesrestbeneath?

  Thatthusyoucomewithflowerstodeckthemournfulhomeofdeath;

  Andthou——whydarkenssothybrowwithgrief’suntimelygloom?

  Thouartfitterforabridethanforawatcherbythetomb!

  \"Itisthenameofonewhosedeedsmademengrowpalewithfear,AndNero’s,stranger,isthedustthatliessepulchredhere;

  Thatnamemaybeawordofharshandbodingsoundtothee,Butoh!ithasamorethanmortalmelodyforme!

  \"AndI,——myhearthasgrowntoageingirlhood’sfleetingyears,Andhasoneonlytask——tobatheitsburiedloveintears;

  Thealloflifethatyetremainstomeisbutitsbreath;

  Thentellme,isitmeetthatIshouldseekthebridalwreath?\"

  Butmaiden,heofwhomyonspeakwasofasavagemood,Thattookitsjoyaloneinscenes,ofcarnage,tearsandblood;

  Hisdark,wildspiritborethestainofcrime’smostloathsomehue,Andloveisforthehighofsoul——thegentleandthetrue。

  \"Thevoicethattaughtanabjectworldtotrembleatitswords,Tomewasmildandmusical,andmellowasabird’s——

  Abird’s——thatcouchedamongthegreen,broadbranchesofthedate,Tells,initssilverysongs,itsgushinggladnesstoitsmate。

  \"Isawhimfirstbesidethesea;neartorayfather’shome,Whenlikeanoceandeityheboundedfromthefoam;

  Ev’nthenagloryseemedtobreathearoundhimashetrod,Andmyhaughtysoulwasbowed,asinthepresenceofaGod。

  Iknewnot,tillmyheartwashis,thedarknessofhisown,Nordreamedthathewhoknelttomewasmasterofathrone!

  Andwhenthefearfulknowledgecame,itscomingwasinvain,——

  Ihadforsakenallforhim,andwoulddosoagain。\"

  Islovetheoffspringofthewill?orisit,likeaflower,Sofrailthatitmayfadeandbeforgotteninanhour?

  No,no!itspringsunbiddenwheretheheart’sdeepfountainsplay,Andcherishedbytheirhalloweddew,itcannotpassaway!

  THEVENETIANGIRL’SEVENINGSONG。

  Unmoortheskiff,——unmoortheskiff,——

  Thenightwind’ssighisontheair,Ando’erthehighestAlpinecliff,Thepalemoonrises,broadandclear。

  Themurmuringwavesaretranquilnow,AndontheirbreasteachtwinklingstarWithwhichNightgemsherduskybrow,Flingsitsmildradiancefromafar。

  Putoffuponthedeepbluesea,Andleavethebanquetandtheball;

  Forsolitude,whensharedwiththee,Isdearerthanthecarnival。

  Andinmyheartarethoughtsoflove,Suchthoughtsaslipsshouldonlybreathe,Whenthebrightstarskeepwatchabove,Andthecalmwaterssleepbeneath!

  ThetaleIhaveforthee,perchance,MaytothineeyeanewimpartThelong—lostgladnessofitsglance,Andsoothethesorrowsofthyheart;

  Come,Iwillsingfortheeagain,Thesongswhichonceourmotherssung,EretyrannyitsgallingchainOnthem,andthosetheyloved,hadhung。

  Thou’rtsad;thousay’stthatinthehallsWhichechoedonceourfather’stread,Thestranger’sidlefootstepfalls,Withsoundthatmightawakethedead!

  Themightydead!whosedustaroundAnatmosphereofreverencesheds;

  Ifaughtofearthlyvoiceorsound,Mightreachthemintheirmarblebeds。

  Thatshetowhomthedeepgavebirth,——

  FairVenice!towhosequeenlystoresThewealthandbeautyoftheearthWerewaftedfromanhundredshores!

  Nowonherwave—girtsite,forlorn,Sitsshroudedinaffliction’snight,——

  Theobjectofthetyrant’sscorn,Sadmonumentoffallenmight。

  Well,tho’inherdesertedhallsThefireonFreedom’sshrineisdead,Tho’o’erherdarkened,crumblingwalls,SternDesolation’spallisspread;

  Isnotthesecondbetterpart,Tothatwhichrendsthedespot’schain,Towearitwithadauntlessheart,Tofeelyetshrinknotfromitspain?

  ThenletthecreepingivytwineItswreathsabouteachruinedarch,TillTimeshallcrushtheminthebrine,Beneathitsall—triumphantmarch!

  ThenlettheswellingwaterscloseAbovethesea—child’ssinkingframe,Andhideforeverfromherfoes,Eachtraceandvestigeofhershame。

  Shallweatlastlesscalmlysleep,Wheninthenarrowdeath—housepent,BecausethebosomofthedeepShallbeouronlymonument?

  No!bythewasteofwatersbid,Ourtombsaswellshallkeeptheirtrust,Astho’amarblepyramidWerepiledaboveourmangleddust!

  WrittenintheNationalGallery,atthecityofWashington,onlookingataMummy,supposedtohavebelongedtoaraceextinctbeforetheoccupationoftheWesternContinentbythepeopleinwhosepossessiontheEuropeansfoundit。

  SoleandmysteriousrelicofaraceThatlonghasceasedtobe,whoseveryname,Time,everbearingonwithsteadypace,Hassweptawayfromearth,leavingthyframe,Darkenedbythirtycenturies,toclaim,Amongtherecordsofthethingsthatwere,Itsplace,——Traditionhasforgotthee——Fame,Ifeverfamewasthine,hasceasedtobearHerrecordofthee,——say,whatdostthouhere?

  Threethousandyearsagoamother’sarmsWerewrappedaboutthatdarkandghastlyform,Andallthelovelinessofchildhood’scharmsGlowedonthatcheek,withlifethenflushedandwarm;

  Say,whatpreservedtheefromthehungrywormThathauntswithgnawingtooththegloomybedSpreadforthelifeless?TellwhatcoulddisarmDecayofhalfitspower,andwhileitfedOnempires——races——makeitsparethedead!

  Howstrangetocontemplatethewondrousstory,Whenthosedeepsunkeneyesfirstsawthelight,LostBabylonwasinhermiddayglory,——

  Uponherprideandpowerhadfall’nnoblight;

  AndTyre,theancientmariner’sdelight,Whosemerchantmenwereprinces,andwhosenameWasthemeofpraisetoall,haslefthersiteToutterbarrennakednessandshame,——

  Yetthou,amidallchange,artstillthesame。

  Andshewho,bythe\"yellowTiber’s\"side,Sitswrappedinherdarkveilofwidowhood,Withscarceaglimmerofherancientpride,TocheerthegloomofthatdeepsolitudeWhicho’ertheseatofvanquishedpow’rdothbrood,Sincethouwastbornhasseenhergloriesrise,Burn,andexpire!quenchedbythestreamsofbloodWhichherslavesdrewfromherownveins,thepriceOfusurpation,proudAmbition’ssacrifice!

  Anddarkerinherfate,andsadderstill,Thesacredcityoftheminstrelking,ThatproudlysatonZion’sholyhill,Thewonderoftheworld!Destruction’swingHathfromherswepteachfairandgoodlything;

  Herpalacesandtemples!wherearethey?

  Herwallsandmarbletow’rsliemouldering,Herglorytothespoiler’shandaprey,——

  Andyettimesparesaportionofthyclay!

  Andthouarthereamidastrangerrace,Towhomtheseshoresfourcenturiesago,Tho’nowproudFreedom’sboasteddwelling—place,Wereallunknown;thewidestreamsthatnowflowWhereCultivation’shandhassteeredherplough,HadthenbutseentheforesthuntsmanguideHislightcanoeacrossthewaveswhichnowReflectthesnowysailsthatwaftinprideThestatelyshipalongtheirripplingtide。

  Thouartthesilentmessengerofages,SentbacktotreadwithTimehisconstantway,Toshamethewisdomofconceitedsages,Whoseloreisbutathingofyesterday;

  Whatwouldtheirbest,theirbrightestvisionsweighBesidethefearfultruthsthoucouldstreveal?

  ThesecretsofeternitynowlayUnveiledbeforethee,andforweorweal,Thydoomisfixedbeyondev’nheaven’srepeal。

  IwillnotasktheeofthemysteriesThatliebeyondDeath’sshadowyvale;butthouMaysttellusofthefatetheDestiniesWoveforthineearthlysojourn。WasthybrowGracedwiththepoet’s,hero’sgarland?HowDealtFortunewiththee?DidshecurseorblessTheewithherfrownorsmile?Speak!thouartnowAmongtheliving,——theyaroundtheepress。

  Stillsilent?Thenthylotwecanbutguess。

  Perhapsthouwastamonarch,andhastwornThesceptreofsomerealElDorado!

  Perhapsawarrior,andthosearmshaveborneTheforemostshield,anddealtthedeadliestblowThatdrewthelife—bloodofawarringfoe!

  Perhapsthouwor’stthecourtier’sgildedthrall,——

  Someglitteringcourt’sgay,proudpapilio!

  Perchanceaclown,thejesterofsomehall,Theslaveofoneman,andthefoolofall!

  Ohlife!andpride!andhonour!comeandseeTowhatadepthyourvisionstumbledown!

  Beholdyourwearer,——whoshallsayifheWeremonarch,warrior,parasite,orclown!

  Andye,whotalkofgloryandrenown,Andcallthembrightanddeathless!andwhobreakEachdearertietograspfame’sgildedcrown,Come,hearinstructionfromthisshadowspeak,Andlearnhowvaluelesstheprizeyeseek!

  Seewhereambition’sloftiestflightdothtend,Beholdthedoomperhapsofblood—boughtfame,Andknowthatallwhichearthcangivemustend,Industandashes,andanemptyname!

  Yepassions!whichdefyourpow’rtotameOrcurbyourheadlongtides,beholdyourhome!

  Love!seethebreastwherethoudidstlightthyflame!

  Immortalspirit!seethyshattereddome!

  Whenshallitshourofrenovationcome?

  Shalllifepossess,andbeautydeckagainThatwitheredform,andfoulandduskycheek?

  WillDeathresignhisdullandfrozenreign,AndtheimmortalsoulreturntoseekHerlong—deserteddwelling,andtobreakThebondagewhichhasheldinicychainsAllthatwasmortalofthee?willshemakeHerhomeinthee,andshallthesepoorremainsSharewithherheaven’spleasuresorhell’spains?

  Wonderofwonders!whocouldlookontheeAndafterwardsurveywithcuriouseyeThemoulderingshrineswheredupeshavebenttheknee,Wheresuperstition,byhypocrisyNurturedandfedwithtalesofmystery,Hasoftwithtimidfootsteptremblingtrod,——

  Alltheseareworsethannothing;comeandseeWhereonceadeathlesssoulhelditsabode,——

  ThewreckedandruinedpalaceofaGod!

  Farewell!Notidlyhasthishourbeenspent。

  ThysilentteachingsImaynotforget,——

  Moredeeply,strangely,trulyeloquent,ThanallthebabbledwordswhicheveryetHavefall’nfromlivinglips,——theyshallbesetWiththebrightgemswhichWisdomlovestokeep;

  Andwhenmyspiritagainstfatewouldfret,Myeyesshallturntotheeandceasetoweep,TillItoosleepdeath’sdeepanddreamlesssleep!

  TOISABEL。

  Comenearmewiththylips,and,breatheo’ermineTheirbreath,forIconsumewithlove’sdesire,——

  Thineivoryarmsaboutmeclaspandtwine,Andbeamuponmineeyethineeye’ssoftfire;

  Claspmeyetcloser,tillmyheartfeelsthineThrill,asthechordsofMemnon’smysticlyreThrilledatthesun’suprising!thouwhoartThelone,theworshippedidolofmyheart!

  There!balmierthanthesouthwind,whenitbringsThescentofaromaticshrubandtree,Andtropicfloweronifsglowingwings,Thineodorousbreathiswaftedoverme;

  Howtothydewylipsmineownlipclings,Andmywholebeingisabsorbedinthee;

  AndinmybreastthineeyeshavelitafireThatnever,never,nevershallexpire!

  Eternal——isitnoteternal——thisOurpassionatelove?whatpow’rshallpartustwain?

  NotevenDeath!LifecouldbestownoblissLikedeathwiththee,andIwouldrenditschainIfthoushouldstperish,formyheavenisTogazeuponthee!IcouldbearallpainUnsighing,sonotpartedfromthyside,Mybeautiful!myspirit’schosenbride!

  Theytrytowoomefromthyfondembrace,Toluremefromthelightofthosedeareyes;

  Theytellmethatinfortune’sarduouschase,Ihavesuchfleetnessaswouldwintheprize;——

  Butallthepompsofcircumstanceandplace,Aglance,aword,asmileofthineoutvies!

  LeaveFortunetoherparasites!minebeTheblessedlottodwellwithloveandthee。

  Toleadtheeonthroughlife,andtoenlargeThysoulwithaddedknowledge,daybyday,Toguardthee,asanangelguardshischarge,Fromeveryillthatlurksalongtheway!

  Tosmooththatruggedway,andstrewitsmargeWiththebrightflowrsthatnevercandecay,——

  Thiswerealottooglorious,toodivine,AndyetHopewhispersthatitshallbemine。

  Nowlisten,love,——thisplanshallrulemylifeAndthine:——Insomeremoteandsunnydell,Farfromthecrowdedcity’ssillystrife,Myhandsshallrearthehomewherewewilldwell;

  Shalltillthesoil,withfertilefruitagerife,Andteachthegoldeneartoshootandswell;

  AndmysolewishedforrecompenseshallbeMyevergrowing,deep’ningloveforthee。

  Thytaskshallbetotrainthetrailingvine,Towatch,andcherishinitsgrowth,theflow’rWhosebreathandcheekaresweetandfairasthine;

  Toblessandbrightenthedomesticbow’rWherewewillbuildtoLoveahallowedshrine,Andbowus,inhisworship,everyhour;

  Till,chastenedbythysmile,myhearthasgrownAspure,andsoft,andsinlessasthineown。

  Oh,hasten,love!torealizethedream,——

  Comefromtheworld,——thecrowdisnotforthee;

  Forsakeitthen,erethecontagioussteamOfitsfoulbreathhassoiledthypurity;——

  Come,formyheartwouldburstcouldIbutdeemThatsuchastheyare,thoucouldsteverbe!

  Come,formysouladorestheewithaloveAsburningastheseraphsfeelabove。

  TheselinesareinscribedtothememoryofJohnQ。Carlin,killedatBuenaVista。

  Warrioroftheyouthfulbrow,Eagerheartandeagleeye!

  Pantsthysoulforbattlenow?

  Burnsthyglancewithvictory?

  Dostthoudreamofconflictsdone,Perilspastandtrophieswon?

  Andanation’sgratefulpraiseGiventothineafterdays?

  Bloodlessisthycheek,andcoldAstheclayuponitprest;

  Andinmanyaslimyfold,Windsthegrave—wormroundthybreast。

  Thouwiltjointhefightnomore,——

  Glory’sdreamwiththeeiso’er,——

  AndalikearenowtotheeGreatnessandobscurity。

  Butaneversunnysky,O’erthyplaceofrestisbending;

  Andabovethygrave,andnigh,Flowerseverbrightareblending。

  O’erthydreamless,calmrepose,Balmilythesouthwindblows,——

  Withthegreenturfonthybreast,Restthee,youthfulwarrior,rest!

  Whenthealarumfirstwassounded,Marshallinginarmsthebrave,Forththyfearlessspiritbounded,Toobtainthee——what?Agrave!

  Famehadwhisperedinthineear,Wordsthehigh—souledlovetohear,——

  ButtheruthlesshandofdeathFromtheesnatchedthehero’swreath。

  Oftenwillthegrief—shadestartO’erthysister’smoodofjoy,Vainlywillthymother’sheartYearntogreetherabsentboy;

  Neversister’slipshallpressOnthineownitsfondcaress,——

  Nevermoreamother’seyeFlashinpridewhenthouartby!

  Wheretheorange,bendinglowlyWithitsgoldenfruit,isswaying;

  AndtheIndianmaiden,slowlyByhernativestreamisstraying;

  O’erthydreamless,calmrepose,BalmilytheSouthwindblows,——

  Withthegreenturfonthybreast,Restthee,youthfulwarrior,rest!

  ALEGENDOFTHEHARTZ。

  Manyagesago,nearthehighHartz,theredweltAruderaceofblood—lovinggiants,whofeltNojoybutthefierceonewhichCarnagebestows,Whenherfoullipsarecloggedwiththebloodofherfoes。

  AndfiercerandbolderthanalloftherestWasBohdo,(1)theirchieftain;——’twasstrangethatabreast,Whichnothinglikekindnessorpitymightmove,Shouldglowwiththewarmthandtheraptureoflove。

  Yetheloved,andthepalemountain—monarch’sfairchildWasthemaidofhisheart;buttho’burningandwildWasthelovethatheboreher,itwonnoreturn,Andtheflamethatconsumedhimwasansweredwithscorn。

  Nowtheladyisgonewithhersteedtotheplain,——

  Savethefalconandhoundthereisnoneinhertrain;

  Sheneedsnonetoguide,ortoguardherfromharmThere’snofearinherheart,thereisstrengthinherarm。

  Fromherwhitewristunhoodedherfalconshethrew,HerbowlikeDiana,thehuntress,shedrew;

  Andfleetasthefetterlessbirdsweptthesky,Soonherproudsteedsweptthefairladyby。

  Seehowhereyesparkles,andhowhercheekglows,Asonwardsofearlessandproudlyshegoes,Withherlocksstreamingbacklikeabannerofgold,Wereshenot,say,abridemeetforNimrod(2)ofold?

  Andhesawher——thechief,fromhistowerafar——

  Assheglancedo’ertheearthlikesomewanderingstar;

  Andhesworesheshouldcomeinthattowertodwell,Orhissoulbeaprizetothespiritsofhell。

  Hiswar—horsehemounted,and,swiftastheshootOfthenight—gatheredmeteor,hespedinpursuit,——

  Breathingout,ashewent,madwithloveandwithhate,Bittercurseuponcurseagainstheavenandfate。

  Urgingonhisfleetcourserwithspurandwithrein,Heswepto’ertheearthasthestormsweepstheplain,——

  Andthefairladyknew,bythegleamofhisshield,ItwasBohdo,thescourgeoftheredbattlefield!

  Thenspurredshehersteedovervalleyandhill,Overrock,marshandmoor,overriverandrill,Yetstillhereyesparkled,andstillhercheekglowed,Asonwardsofleetlyandbravelysherode。

  ThusoverThuringiaspedsheaway,Withthespeedofthehawkwhenhedartsonhisprey,——

  Oranarrowletloosefromawarrior’sbow,Whenitspeedswithsureaimtotheheartofhisfoe。

  ThentheHartz,thewildHartz——theterrific——theproud!

  Wherethemist—spiritdwellsinhispalaceofcloud!

  Wheretheevilonesgatherinenviouswrath,Toblightandtoblast,——toweredupinherpath。

  Stillhercheekkeptitsglow,stillhereyeflashedinpride,Asonwardsheflewupthesteepmountainside;

  Andfierceasthetempest,andfleetasthewind,SternBohdo,theruthless,stillfollowedbehind。

  Toafearfulabyss,whoseunhallowedname(3)

  Bythepowersofdarknesswasgiven,shecame,Andthewhirlpool’swildvoice,fromthedarkgulfbelow,Cameuplikethewailofasoulinitswe。

  Beyondrosetherockyshelf,barrenandbare,Beneathlaythewhirlpool,aroundherdespair,Behindhercameone,sweepingoninthechase,Whosegraspwasmoredreadedthandeath’scoldembrace。

  Thenshecalledonthespiritswhowatchroundthebrave,Inperiltonerve,toassistandtosave,Closedcalmlyhereyes,asonesinkinginsleep,Andurgedherproudsteedtotheterribleleap!

  Amomentitpausedonthehighprecipice,Thensprang,boldlysprang,o’erthefrightfulabyss!

  AndstruckitsfirmhoofintherocktillthesoundShookthehills,andthesparksflewlikelightningaround!

  Andthefoot—printitlefthasremainedtothisday,Andnorain—floodortempestshallwearitaway;

  Shewassaved——thebraveEmmawassaved——buthercrown,Fromherfairbrowunloosed,inthewhirlpoolsankdown。

  On,oncamethechief,inhisfiercenessandwrath,Norsawhethewidegulfthatyawnedinhispath,——

  Andsoon,inthedepthsofitsfathomlesstide,Thewarriorandwar—steedwerelaidsidebyside。

  Andthemountaineertellshowinsullendespair,Hisghost,imannealedofitssins,lingersthere;

  Everwatching,pale,silent,untiring,unmoved,Thebrightgoldencrownofthemaidenheloved。

  Adiveronce,luredbythewealthoftheprize,Soughtoutthedeepcavewhereitlay,andstilllies,Andwhere,chainedbyaspirit—breathedspell,itshallstay,Tillthewhirlpoolandmountainalikepassaway。

  Twiceherosewiththecrown,tillitsgleamingpointsblazedOntheeyesofthewonderingthousandswhogazed,Twiceitfellfromhisgrasp,andsankquicklyagainTothebedwhereforyearsundisturbedithadlain。

  Hefollowed,——thiseffortthetreasuremayearn——

  Butvainlytheywatchwhoawaithisreturn;

  Aredhueofbloodtingedthedeepwaterso’er,Butthedivercameupfromtheirdarkdepthsnomore。

  1。Bohdo。Thishero,ashischaracterisdrawnintheoriginallegend,ortradition,fromwhichthematerialoftheseverseswastaken(atraditionwhichgivesthepopularaccountoftheformationofanimmensemarkorcavityinarock,calledthe\"Rosstrappe\"or\"Horse’sfootstep,\")isworthyofbeingenrolledamongOdin’sBerserker。

  2。Nimrod。\"AmightyhunterbeforetheLord。\"HebuiltBabylonandfoundedthatroyallinewhichterminatedwiththedeathofSardanapalus;whosegentlenessandaversiontobloodspilling,togetherwithhispassionforhis\"IonianMyrrha,\"costhimanempire,andgainedhimanimmortality。

  3。\"Itwasnamed,\"saysthetradition,\"TheDevil’sdancing—place,fromthetriumphthereofthespiritsofhell。\"

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