And young leaves trembled, as, in fleet career, A princely band, with horn, and hound, and spear, Like a rich masque swept forth. I saw the dance Of their white plumes, that bore a silvery glance Into the deep wood's heart; and all pass'd by, Save one-I met the smile of one clear eye, Flashing out joy to mine.-Yes, thou wert there, Seymour! a soft wind blew the clustering hair Back from thy gallant brow, as thou didst rein Thy courser, turning from that gorgeous train, And fling, methought, thy hunting-spear away, And, lightly graceful in thy green array, Bound to my side; and we, that met and parted, Ever in dread of some dark watchful power, Won back to childhood's trust, and, fearless-hearted, Blent the glad fulness of our thoughts that hour, Ev'n like the mingling of sweet streams, beneath Dim woven leaves, and midst the floating breath Of hidden forest flowers. II. 'Tis past!-I wake, A captive, and alone, and far from thee, And feeling still my woman's spirit strong, A heavenward glance. I know, I know our love By its undying fervour; and prevail, Sending a breath, as of the spring's first gale, But all my youth's first treasures, when we meet, III. And thou too art in bonds!-yet droop thou not, To the grave's bosom, with thy radiant brow,— If thy deep-thrilling voice, with that low tone Of earnest tenderness, which now, ev'n now, Seems floating thro' my soul, were music taken Could I bear on?—thou liv'st, thou liv'st, thou'rt mine! IV. And lo! the joy that cometh with the morning, I have not watch'd in vain, serenely scorning Thou hast sent tidings, as of heaven.—I wait The hour, the sign, for blessed flight to thee. Oh! for the skylark's wing that seeks its mate As a star shoots !-but on the breezy sea We shall meet soon.-To think of such an hour! Will not my heart, o'erburden'd by its bliss, Faint and give way within me, as a flower Borne down and perishing by noontide's kiss? Yet shall I fear that lot?—the perfect rest, The full deep joy of dying on thy breast, After long-suffering won? So rich a close Too seldom crowns with peace affection's woes. A 2 V. Sunset!-I tell each moment-from the skies The last red splendour floats along my wall, Like a king's banner !-Now it melts, it dies! I see one star-I hear 'twas not the call, Th' expected voice; my quick heart throbb'd too soon. I must keep vigil till yon rising moon Shower down less golden light. Beneath her beam Thro' my lone lattice pour'd, I sit and dream Of summer-lands afar, where holy love, Under the vine, or in the citron-grove, May breathe from terror. Now the night grows deep, And silent as its clouds, and full of sleep. I hear my veins beat.-Hark! a bell's slow chime. My heart strikes with it.-Yet again-'tis time! A step!-a voice!-or but a rising breeze? Hark! haste!-I come, to meet thee on the seas. |