And from beneath the leaves that kept them dry 20 The flocks came scattering from the thicket, where It was a scene of peace—and, like a spell, Did that serene and golden sunlight fall Upon the motionless wood that clothed the fell, And glassy river and white waterfall, And happy living things that trod the bright And beauteous scene; while far beyond them all, 30 Was poured from the blue heavens the same soft golden light. I looked, and thought the quiet of the scene 40 The o'erlaboured captive toil, and wish his life were done. Too long, at clash of arms amid her bowers And pools of blood, the earth has stood aghast― And ruddy fruits; but not for ay can last The storm, and sweet the sunshine when 'tis past. 50 On all the peaceful world the smile of heaven shall lie. AUTUMN WOODS ERE, in the northern gale, The summer tresses of the trees are gone, The mountains that enfold, In their wide sweep, the coloured landscape round, Seem groups of giant kings, in purple anl gold, That guard the enchanted ground. I roam the woods that crown The upland, where the mingled splendours glow, My steps are not alone ΤΟ In these bright walks; the sweet south-west, at play, Flies, rustling, where the painted leaves are strown Along the winding way. And far in heaven, the while, The sun, that sends that gale to wander here, Where now the solemn shade, Verdure and gloom where many branches meet; Let in through all the trees 20 Come the strange rays; the forest depths are bright; Their sunny-coloured foliage, in the breeze, Twinkles, like beams of light. The rivulet, late unseen, Where bickering through the shrubs its waters run, And glimmerings of the sun. 31 But 'neath yon crimson tree, Lover to listening maid might breathe his flame, Her blush of maiden shame. Oh, Autumn! why so soon Depart the hues that make thy forests glad; Ah! 'twere a lot too blest For ever in thy coloured shades to stray; And leave the vain low strife 40 That makes men mad-the tug for wealth and power, The passions and the cares that wither life, And waste its little hour. MUTATION THEY talk of short-lived pleasure-be it so- Makes the strong secret pangs of shame to cease: IO Are fruits of innocence and blessedness; Thus joy, o'erborne and bound, doth still release His young limbs from the chains that round him Weep not that the world changes-did it keep A stable, changeless state, 'twere cause indeed to weep. press. NOVEMBER YET one smile more, departing, distant sun! Yet a few sunny days, in which the bee Shall murmur by the hedge that skirts the way, The cricket chirp upon the russet lea, And man delight to linger in thy ray. Yet one rich smile, and we will try to bear ΙΟ The piercing winter frost, and winds, and darkened air. SONG OF THE GREEK AMAZON I BUCKLE to my slender side And in my maiden flower and pride That paws the ground and neighs to go, I took him from the routed foe. My mirror is the mountain spring, And wash away the blood-stain there. I kept its bloom, and he is dead. ΤΟ 20 But they who slew him-unaware Are yet alive-and they must die. I touched the lute in better days, 30 TO A CLOUD BEAUTIFUL cloud! with folds so soft and fair, Thy fleeces bathed in sunlight, while below Beautiful cloud! I would I were with thee In thy calm way o'er land and sea : To rest on thy unrolling skirts, and look On streams that tie her realms with silver bands, And hear her humming cities, and the sound Aye I would sail, upon thy air-borne car, ΤΟ |