A SEA-SIDE SONG. JOVE-LADEN from the lighted west Far off, the dark green rocks about, All night shines, faint and fair, the far light: Far off, the lone, late fishers' shout From boat to boat i' the listening starlight: Far off, and fair, the sea lies bare, Leagues, leagues beyond the reach of rowing: Twinkles among the silver shells, A Sea-side Song. Or down dark pools of purple glowing, And I catch the warm west blowing OWEN MEREDITH. 51 FLOWERS. FLOWERS! when the Saviour's calm benignant eye Then in the bosom of your purity A voice He set, as in a simple shrine, That life's quick travellers ne'er might pass you by Unwarned of that sweet oracle divine. MRS. HEMANS. MY LOVE. JOT as all other women are Is she that to my soul is dear; Her glorious fancies come from far Beneath the silver evening-star, And yet her heart is ever near. Great feelings hath she of her own God giveth them to her alone, And sweet they are as any tone Wherewith the wind may choose to blow. Yet in herself she dwelleth not, Although no home were half so fair; No simplest duty is forgot; Life hath no dim and lowly spot That doth not in her sunshine share. She doeth little kindnesses Which most leave undone or despise; For nought that sets one's heart at ease, And giveth happiness or peace, Is low esteemed in her eyes. My Love. She hath no scorn of common things; To tread the humble paths of earth. Blessing she is, God made her so; She is most fair, and thereunto Her life doth rightly harmonize; Feeling or thought that was not true Ne'er made less beautiful the blue Unclouded heaven of her eyes. She is a woman-one in whom The spring-time of her childish years Hath never lost the fresh perfume, Though knowing well that life hath room For many blights and many tears. 53 J. R. LOWELL. TRUE LOVE-ETERNAL. HERE is a love! 'tis not the wandering fire, Gleam of polluted hearts, the meteor-ray Like the raised dead-our dust transformed to light. |