X. Long in its dim recesses pines the spirit, XI. To feel a want, yet scarce know what it is, Whose glance is warmer than another's kiss, Nor feel deserted afterwards, for this But with our destined comate we can do,Such longing instinct fills the mighty scope Of the young soul with one mysterious hope. XII. Naught as a maiden's soul is bountiful, For beauty's law is bounty: it must be That, when the heart with blessedness is full, It droops into a sated apathy, Unless the choice blooms of that bliss it cull To crown another with, and make it free Of beauty's harvest, which unfruitful lies, Wanting the ripening light of loving eyes. XIII. So Margaret's heart grew brimming with the lore Το Yet oft to Fancy's chapel she would go pay her vows, and count the rosary o'er Of her love's promised graces: - haply so Miranda's hope had pictured Ferdinand Long ere the gaunt wave tossed him on the strand. 'XIV. A new-made star that swims the lonely gloom, Whose beams, the bride-gifts of the lavish groom, Her being was, watching to see the bloom Of love's fresh sunrise roofing one by one Its clouds with gold, a triumph-arch to be For him who came to hold her heart in fee. XV. Her sun arose to redden.in eclipse, Alas! too soon, ere yet 't was risen wholly, — But let us not unseal the morrow's lips; Swiftly enough thou comest, Melancholy, And what we win of earth's contentment slips XVI. Not far from Margaret's cottage dwelt a knight And dew of her ripe beauty, through the grate Of his close vow catching what gleams he might Of the free heaven, and cursing- all too late The cruel faith whose black walls hemmed him in And turned life's crowning bliss to deadly sin. XVII. For he had met her in the wood by chance, His heart shook like the pennon of a lance 1 XVIII. A dark, proud man he was, whose half-blown youth Had shed its blossoms even in opening, Leaving a few that with more winning ruth Trembling around grave manhood's stem might cling, More sad than cheery, making, in good sooth, Like the fringed gentian, a late autumn spring : — A twilight nature, braided light and gloom, A youth half-smiling by an open tomb. XIX. Fair as an angel, who yet inly wore A wrinkled heart foreboding his near fall; And that he seemed to scorn, as one who knew |