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Transcript of Bronte Poetry
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POEMS
by
CURRER,ELLIS,ANDACTONBELL.(Charlotte,EmilyandAnneBronte)
August,1997[Etext#1019]
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POEMS
by
CURRER,ELLIS,ANDACTONBELL.(Charlotte,EmilyandAnneBronte)
POEMSBYCURRERBELL,
PILATE'SWIFE'SDREAM.
I'vequench'dmylamp,IstruckitinthatstartWhicheverylimbconvulsed,Ihearditfall--Thecrashblentwithmysleep,Isawdepart
Itslight,evenasIwoke,onyonderwall;Overagainstmybed,thereshoneagleamStrange,faint,andminglingalsowithmydream.
Itsank,andIamwraptinuttergloom;Howfarisnightadvanced,andwhenwilldayRetingetheduskandlividairwithbloom,Andfillthisvoidwithwarm,creativeray?WouldIcouldsleepagaintill,clearandred,Morningshallonthemountain-topsbespread!
I'dcallmywomen,buttobreaktheirsleep,Becausemyownisbroken,wereunjust;
They'vewroughtallday,andwell-earn'dslumberssteepTheirlaboursinforgetfulness,Itrust;Letmemyfeverishwatchwithpatiencebear,Thankfulthatnonewithmeitssufferingsshare.
Yet,oh,forlight!oneraywouldtranquillizeMynerves,mypulses,morethaneffortcan;I'lldrawmycurtainandconsulttheskies:Thesetremblingstarsatdeadofnightlookwan,Wild,restless,strange,yetcannotbemoredrear
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Thanthismycouch,sharedbyanamelessfear.
Allblack--onegreatcloud,drawnfromeasttowest,Concealstheheavens,buttherearelightsbelow;TorchesburninJerusalem,andcastOnyonderstonymountaluridglow.Iseemenstation'dthere,andgleamingspears;Asound,too,fromafar,invadesmyears.
Dull,measuredstrokesofaxeandhammerring>Fromstreettostreet,notloud,butthroughthenightDistinctlyheard--andsomestrangespectralthingIsnowuprear'd--and,fix'dagainstthelightOfthepalelamps,defineduponthatsky,Itstandsuplikeacolumn,straightandhigh.
Iseeitall--Iknowtheduskysign--AcrossonCalvary,whichJewsuprearWhileRomanswatch;andwhenthedawnshallshinePilate,tojudgethevictim,willappear--Passsentence-yieldHimuptocrucify;AndonthatcrossthespotlessChristmustdie.
Dreams,then,aretrue--forthusmyvisionran;
Surelysomeoraclehasbeenwithme,Thegodshavechosenmetorevealtheirplan,Towarnanunjustjudgeofdestiny:I,slumbering,heardandsaw;awakeIknow,Christ'scomingdeath,andPilate'slifeofwoe.
IdonotweepforPilate--whocouldproveRegretforhimwhosecoldandcrushingswayNoprayercansoften,noappealcanmove:Whotramplesheartsasotherstrampleclay,Yetwithafaltering,anuncertaintread,Thatmightstirupreprisalinthedead.
Forcedtositbyhissideandseehisdeeds;Forcedtobeholdthatvisage,hourbyhour,InwhosegauntlinestheabhorrentgazerreadsAtriplelustofgold,andblood,andpower;Asoulwhommotivesfierce,yetabject,urge--Rome'sservileslave,andJudah'styrantscourge.
HowcanIlove,ormourn,orpityhim?I,whosolongmyfetter'dhandshavewrung;I,whoforgriefhaveweptmyeyesightdim;Because,whilelifeformewasbrightandyoung,Herobb'dmyyouth--hequench'dmylife'sfairray--Hecrush'dmymind,anddidmyfreedomslay.
Andatthishour-althoughIbehiswife--HehasnomoreoftendernessfrommeThananyotherwretchofguiltylife;Less,forIknowhishouseholdprivacy--Iseehimasheis--withoutascreen;And,bythegods,mysoulabhorshismien!
Hashenotsoughtmypresence,dyedinblood--Innocent,righteousblood,shedshamelessly?
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AndhaveInothisredsalutewithstood?Ay,when,aserst,heplungedallGalileeIndarkbereavement--inafflictionsore,Minglingtheirveryofferingswiththeirgore.
Thencamehe--inhiseyesaserpent-smile,Uponhislipssomefalse,endearingword,AndthroughthestreetsofSalemclang'dthewhileHisslaughtering,hacking,sacrilegioussword--AndI,toseeamancausemensuchwoe,Trembledwithire--Ididnotfeartoshow.
Andnow,theenviousJewishpriestshavebroughtJesus--whomtheyinmock'rycalltheirking--Tohave,bythisgrimpower,theirvengeancewrought;Bythismeanreptile,innocencetosting.Oh!couldIbutthepurposeddoomavert,Andshieldtheblamelessheadfromcruelhurt!
AccessibleisPilate'shearttofear,Omenswillshakehissoul,likeautumnleaf;Couldhethisnight'sappallingvisionhear,Thisjustman'sbondswereloosed,hislifeweresafe,Unlessthatbitterpriesthoodshouldprevail,
Andmakeeventerrortotheirmalicequail.
YetifItellthedream--butletmepause.Whatdream?Erewhilethecharacterswereclear,Gravedonmybrain--atoncesomeunknowncauseHasdimm'dandrazedthethoughts,whichnowappear,Likeavagueremnantofsomeby-pastscene;--Notwhatwillbe,butwhat,longsince,hasbeen.
Isuffer'dmanythings--IheardforetoldAdreadfuldoomforPilate,--lingeringwoes,Infar,barbarianclimes,wheremountainscoldBuiltupasolitudeoftracklesssnows,
Thereheandgrislywolvesprowl'dsidebyside,Therehelivedfamish'd--there,methought,hedied;
Butnotofhunger,norbymalady;Isawthesnowaroundhim,stain'dwithgore;IsaidIhadnotearsforsuchashe,And,lo!mycheekiswet--mineeyesruno'er;Iweepformortalsuffering,mortalguilt,Iweeptheimpiousdeed,thebloodself-spilt.
MoreIrecallnot,yetthevisionspreadIntoaworldremote,anagetocome--AndstilltheilluminednameofJesusshed
Alight,aclearness,throughtheunfoldinggloom--AndstillIsawthatsign,whichnowIsee,ThatcrossonyonderbrowofCalvary.
WhatisthisHebrewChrist?-tomeunknownHislineage--doctrine--mission;yethowclearIsGod-likegoodnessinhisactionsshown,Howstraightandstainlessishislife'scareer!TherayofDeitythatrestsonhim,InmyeyesmakesOlympianglorydim.
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Theworldadvances;GreekorRomanriteSufficesnottheinquiringmindtostay;ThesearchingsouldemandsapurerlightToguideitonitsupward,onwardway;Ashamedofsculpturedgods,ReligionturnsTowheretheunseenJehovah'saltarburns.
Ourfaithisrotten,allourritesdefiled,Ourtemplessullied,and,methinks,thisman,Withhisnewordinance,sowiseandmild,Iscome,evenasHesays,thechafftofanAndseverfromthewheat;butwillhisfaithSurvivetheterrorsofto-morrow'sdeath?
*******
Ifeelafirmertrust--ahigherhopeRiseinmysoul--itdawnswithdawningday;Lo!ontheTemple'sroof--onMoriah'sslopeAppearsatlengththatclearandcrimsonrayWhichIsowishedforwhenshutinbynight;Oh,openingskies,Ihail,Iblesspourlight!
Part,cloudsandshadows!GloriousSunappear!Part,mentalgloom!Comeinsightfromonhigh!DuskdawninheavenstillstriveswithdaylightclearThelongingsouldothstilluncertainsigh.Oh!tobeholdthetruth--thatsundivine,Howdothmybosompant,myspiritpine!
Thisday,Timetravailswithamightybirth;Thisday,Truthstoopsfromheavenandvisitsearth;ErenightdescendsIshallmoresurelyknowWhatguidetofollow,inwhatpathtogo;Iwaitinhope--Iwaitinsolemnfear,TheoracleofGod--thesole--trueGod--tohear.
MEMENTOS.
Arranginglong-lockeddrawersandshelvesOfcabinets,shutupforyears,Whatastrangetaskwe'vesetourselves!Howstillthelonelyroomappears!Howstrangethismassofancienttreasures,Mementosofpastpainsandpleasures;Thesevolumes,claspedwithcostlystone,
Withprintallfaded,gildinggone;
ThesefansofleavesfromIndiantrees--Thesecrimsonshells,fromIndianseas--Thesetinyportraits,setinrings--Once,doubtless,deemedsuchpreciousthings;KeepsakesbestowedbyLoveonFaith,Andworntillthereceiver'sdeath,Nowstoredwithcameos,china,shells,Inthisoldcloset'sdustycells.
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Iscarcelythink,fortenlongyears,Ahandhastouchedtheserelicsold;And,coatingeach,slow-formed,appearsThegrowthofgreenandantiquemould.
Allinthishouseismossingover;Allisunused,anddim,anddamp;Norlight,norwarmth,theroomsdiscover--Bereftforyearsoffireandlamp.
Thesun,sometimesinsummer,entersThecasements,withrevivingray;ButthelongrainsofmanywintersMouldertheverywallsaway.
Andoutsideallisivy,clingingTochimney,lattice,gablegrey;ScarcelyonelittleredrosespringingThroughthegreenmosscanforceitsway.
Unscared,thedawandstarlingnestle,Wherethetallturretriseshigh,Andwindsalonecomeneartorustle
Thethickleaveswheretheircradleslie,
Isometimesthink,whenlateatevenIclimbthestairreluctantly,Someshapethatshouldbewellinheaven,Orillelsewhere,willpassbyme.
Ifeartoseetheveryfaces,Familiarthirtyyearsago,EvenintheoldaccustomedplacesWhichlooksocoldandgloomynow,
I'vecome,toclosethewindow,hither,
Attwilight,whenthesunwasdown,AndFearmyverysoulwouldwither,Lestsomethingshouldbedimlyshown,
Toomuchtheburiedformresembling,Ofherwhooncewasmistresshere;Lestdoubtfulshade,ormoonbeamtrembling,Mighttakeheraspect,oncesodear.
Herswasthischamber;inhertimeItseemedtomeapleasantroom,ForthennocloudofgrieforcrimeHadcurseditwithasettledgloom;
Ihadnotseendeath'simagelaidInshroudandsheet,onyonderbed.Beforeshemarried,shewasblest--Blestinheryouth,blestinherworth;Hermindwascalm,itssunnyrestShoneinhereyesmoreclearthanmirth.
Andwhenattiredinricharray,Light,lustroushairaboutherbrow,
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Sheyondersat,akindofdayLitupwhatseemssogloomynow.Thesegrimoakwallseventhenweregrim;Thatoldcarvedchairwasthenantique;ButwhataroundlookedduskanddimServedasafoiltoherfreshcheek;Herneckandarms,ofhuesofair,Eyesofunclouded,smilinglight;Hersoft,andcurled,andfloatinghair,Gemsandattire,asrainbowbright.
Reclinedinyonderdeeprecess,Ofttimesshewould,atevening,lieWatchingthesun;sheseemedtoblessWithhappyglancetheglorioussky.Shelovedsuchscenes,andasshegazed,Herfaceevincedherspirit'smood;BeautyorgrandeureverraisedInher,adeep-feltgratitude.Butofalllovelythings,shelovedAcloudlessmoon,onsummernight,FullofthaveIimpatienceprovedToseehowlongherstilldelightWouldfindathemeinreverie,
Outonthelawn,orwherethetreesLetinthelustrefitfully,Astheirboughspartedmomently,Tothesoft,languid,summerbreeze.Alas!thatsheshoulde'erhaveflungThosepure,thoughlonelyjoysaway--Deceivedbyfalseandguilefultongue,Shegaveherhand,thensufferedwrong;Oppressed,ill-used,shefadedyoung,Anddiedofgriefbyslowdecay.
Openthatcasket-lookhowbrightThosejewelsflashuponthesight;
ThebrilliantshavenotlostarayOflustre,sinceherweddingday.Butsee--uponthatpearlychain--HowdimliesTime'sdiscolouringstain!I'veseenthatbyherdaughterworn:For,ereshedied,achildwasborn;--Achildthatne'eritsmotherknew,Thatlone,andalmostfriendlessgrew;For,ever,whenitsstepdrewnigh,Avertedwasthefather'seye;Andthen,alifeimpureandwildMadehimastrangertohischild:Absorbedinvice,helittlecared
Onwhatshedid,orhowshefared.Thelovewithheldsheneversought,Shegrewuncherished--learntuntaught;TohertheinwardlifeofthoughtFullsoonwasopenlaid.IknownotifherfriendlessnessDidsometimesonherspiritpress,Butplaintshenevermade.Thebook-shelveswereherdarlingtreasure,Sherarelyseemedthetimetomeasure
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Whileshecouldreadalone.AndshetoolovedthetwilightwoodAndoften,inhermother'smood,Awaytoyonderhillwouldhie,Likeher,towatchthesettingsun,Orseethestarsborn,onebyone,Outofthedarkeningsky.NorwouldsheleavethathilltillnightTrembledfrompoletopolewithlight;Eventhen,uponherhomewardway,Long--longherwanderingstepsdelayedToquitthesombreforestshade,Throughwhichhereeriepathwaylay.Youaskifshehadbeauty'sgrace?Iknownot--butanoblerfaceMyeyeshaveseldomseen;Akeenandfineintelligence,And,betterstill,thetruestsenseWereinherspeakingmien.Butbloomorlustrewastherenone,Onlyatmoments,fitfulshoneAnardourinhereye,Thatkindledonhercheekaflush,Warmasaredsky'spassingblush
Andquickwithenergy.Herspeech,too,wasnotcommonspeech,Nowishtoshine,oraimtoteach,Wasinherwordsdisplayed:Shestillbeganwithquietsense,ButofttheforceofeloquenceCametoherlipsinaid;Languageandvoiceunconsciouschanged,Andthoughts,inotherwordsarranged,HerfervidsoultransfusedIntotheheartsofthosewhoheard,Andtransientstrengthandardourstirred,Inmindstostrengthunused,
Yetingaycrowdorfestalglare,Graveandretiringwasherair;'Twasseldom,savewithmealone,Thatfireoffeelingfreelyshone;Shelovednotawe'snorwonder'sgaze,Norevenexaggeratedpraise,Norevennotice,iftookeenThecuriousgazersearchedhermien.Nature'sowngreenexpanserevealedTheworld,thepleasures,shecouldprize;Onfreehill-side,insunnyfield,Inquietspotsbywoodsconcealed,Grewwildandfreshherchosenjoys,
YetNature'sfeelingsdeeplylayInthatendowedandyouthfulframe;Shrinedinherheartandhidfromday,Theyburnedunseenwithsilentflame.Inyouth'sfirstsearchformentallight,Shelivedbuttoreflectandlearn,Butsoonhermind'smaturermightForstrongertaskdidpantandyearn;Andstrongertaskdidfateassign,Taskthatagiant'sstrengthmightstrain;
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Tosufferlongandne'errepine,Becalminfrenzy,smileatpain.
Palewiththesecretwaroffeeling,Sustainedwithcourage,mute,yethigh;Thewoundsatwhichshebled,revealingOnlybyalteredcheekandeye;
Sheboreinsilence--butwhenpassionSurgedinhersoulwithceaselessfoam,Thestormatlastbroughtdesolation,Anddroveherexiledfromherhome.
Andsilentstill,shestraightassembledThewrecksofstrengthhersoulretained;Forthoughthewastedbodytrembled,Theunconqueredmind,toquail,disdained.
Shecrossedthesea--nowloneshewandersBySeine's,orRhine's,orArno'sflow;FainwouldIknowifdistancerendersRelieforcomforttoherwoe.
FainwouldIknowif,henceforth,ever,
Theseeyesshallreadinhersagain,Thatlightoflovewhichfadednever,Thoughdimmedsolongwithsecretpain.
Shewillreturn,butcoldandaltered,Likeallwhosehopestoosoondepart;Likeallonwhomhavebeat,unsheltered,Thebitterblaststhatblighttheheart.
NomoreshallIbeholdherlyingCalmonapillow,smoothedbyme;Nomorethatspirit,wornwithsighing,Willknowtherestofinfancy.
Ifstillthepathsofloreshefollow,'Twillbewithtiredandgoadedwill;She'llonlytoil,theachinghollow,Thejoylessblankoflifetofill.
Andoh!fulloft,quitespentandweary,Herhandwillpause,herheaddecline;Thatlabourseemssohardanddreary,Onwhichnorayofhopemayshine.
ThusthepaleblightoftimeandsorrowWillshadewithgreyhersoft,darkhair;
Thencomesthedaythatknowsnomorrow,Anddeathsucceedstolongdespair.
Sospeaksexperience,sageandhoary;Iseeitplainly,knowitwell,Likeonewho,havingreadastory,Eachincidentthereincantell.
Touchnotthatring;'twashis,thesireOfthatforsakenchild;
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AndnoughthisrelicscaninspireSavememories,sin-defiled.
I,whosatbyhiswife'sdeath-bed,I,whohisdaughterloved,Couldalmostcursetheguiltydead,Forwoestheguiltlessproved.
Andheavendidcurse--theyfoundhimlaid,Whencrimeforwrathwasrife,Cold--withthesuicidalbladeClutchedinhisdesperategripe.
'Twasnearthatlongdesertedhut,Whichinthewooddecays,Death'saxe,self-wielded,struckhisroot,Andloppedhisdesperatedays.
Youknowthespot,wherethreeblacktrees,Liftuptheirbranchesfell,Andmoaning,ceaselessastheseas,Stillseem,ineverypassingbreeze,Thedeedofbloodtotell.
Theynamedhimmad,andlaidhisbonesWhereholierasheslie;YetdoubtnotthathisspiritgroansInhell'seternity.
But,lo!night,closingo'ertheearth,Infectsourthoughtswithgloom;Come,letusstrivetorallymirthWhereglowsaclearandtranquilhearthInsomemorecheerfulroom.
THEWIFE'SWILL.
Sitstill--aword--abreathmaybreak(Aslightairsstirasleepinglake)Theglassycalmthatsoothesmywoes--Thesweet,thedeep,thefullrepose.Oleavemenot!foreverbeThus,morethanlifeitselftome!
Yes,closebesidetheeletmekneel--Givemethyhand,thatImayfeelThefriendsotrue--sotried--sodear,
Myheart'sownchosen--indeedisnear;Andcheckmenot--thishourdivineBelongstome--isfullymine.
'Tisthyownhearththousitt'stbeside,Afterlongabsence--wanderingwide;'TisthyownwifereadsinthineeyesApromiseclearofstormlessskies;ForfaithandtruelovelighttheraysWhichshineresponsivetohergaze.
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Ay,--wellthatsingletearmayfall;Tenthousandmightmineeyesrecall,Whichfromtheirlidsranblindingfast,Inhoursofgrief,yetscarcelypast;Wellmaystthouspeakoflovetome,For,oh!mosttruly--Ilovethee!
Yetsmile--forwearehappynow.Whence,then,thatsadnessonthybrow?Whatsaystthou?"Wemuseonceagain,Erelong,beseveredbythemain!"Iknewnotthis--IdeemednomoreThystepwoulderrfromBritain'sshore.
"Dutycommands!"'Tistrue--'tisjust;ThyslightestwordIwhollytrust,Norbyrequest,norfaintestsigh,WouldItoturnthypurposetry;But,William,hearmysolemnvow--Hearandconfirm!--withtheeIgo.
"Distanceandsuffering,"didstthousay?"Dangerbynight,andtoilbyday?"
Oh,idlewordsandvainarethese;Hearme!Icrosswiththeetheseas.Suchriskasthoumustmeetanddare,I--thytruewife--willdulyshare.
Passive,athome,Iwillnotpine;Thytoils,thyperilsshallbemine;Grantthis--andbehereafterpaidByawarmheart'sdevotedaid:'Tisgranted--withthatyieldingkiss,Enteredmysoulunmingledbliss.
Thanks,William,thanks!thylovehasjoy,
Pure,undefiledwithbasealloy;'Tisnotapassion,falseandblind,Inspires,enchains,absorbsmymind;Worthy,Ifeel,artthoutobeLovedwithmyperfectenergy.
Thiseveningnowshallsweetlyflow,Litbyourclearfire'shappyglow;Andparting'speace-embitteringfear,Iswarnedourheartstocomenotnear;Forfateadmitsmysoul'sdecree,Inblissorbale--togowiththee!
THEWOOD.
Buttwomilesmore,andthenwerest!Well,thereisstillanhourofday,AndlongthebrightnessoftheWestWilllightusonourdeviousway;Sitthen,awhile,hereinthiswood--Sototalisthesolitude,Wesafelymaydelay.
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Thesemassiverootsaffordaseat,Whichseemsforwearytravellersmade.Thererest.TheairissoftandsweetInthissequesteredforestglade,Andtherearescentsofflowersaround,Theeveningdewdrawsfromtheground;Howsoothinglytheyspread!
Yes;Iwastired,butnotatheart;No--thatbeatsfullofsweetcontent,FornowIhavemynaturalpartOfactionwithadventureblent;Castforthonthewideworldwiththee,AndallmyoncewasteenergyToweightypurposebent.
Yet--saystthou,spiesaroundusroam,Ouraimsaretermedconspiracy?Haply,nomoreourEnglishhomeAnanchorageforusmaybe?ThatthereisriskourmutualbloodMayreddeninsomelonelywoodTheknifeoftreachery?
Saystthou,thatwherewelodgeeachnight,Ineachlonefarm,orlonelierhallOfNormanPeer--eremorninglightSuspicionmustasdulyfall,Asdayreturns--suchvigilancePresidesandwatchesoverFrance,Suchrigourgovernsall?
Ifearnot,William;dostthoufear?Sothattheknifedoesnotdivide,Itmaybeeverhoveringnear:Icouldnottrembleatthyside,
Andstrenuouslove--likemineforthee--Isbucklerstrong'gainsttreachery,Andturnsitsstabaside.
IamresolvedthatthoushaltlearnTotrustmystrengthasItrustthine;IamresolvedoursoulsshallburnWithequal,steady,minglingshine;Partofthefieldisconquerednow,Ourlivesinthesamechannelflow,Alongtheself-sameline;
Andwhilenogroaningstormisheard,
Thouseem'stcontentitshouldbeso,ButsoonascomesawarningwordOfdanger--straightthineanxiousbrowBendsovermeamournfulshade,AsdoubtingifmypowersaremadeTofordthefloodsofwoe.
Know,thenitismyspiritswells,Anddrinks,witheagerjoy,theairOffreedom--whereatlastitdwells,
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Chartered,acommontasktoshareWiththee,andthenitstirsalert,AndpantstolearnwhatmenacedhurtDemandsfortheeitscare.
Remember,Ihavecrossedthedeep,Andstoodwiththeeondeck,togazeOnwavesthatroseinthreateningheap,Whilestagnantlayaheavyhaze,Dimlyconfusingseawithsky,Andbaffling,even,thepilot'seye,Intenttothreadthemaze--
Ofrocks,onBretagne'sdangerouscoast,AndfindawaytosteerourbandTotheonepointobscure,whichlost,Flungus,asvictims,onthestrand;--All,elsewhere,gleamedtheGallicsword,AndnotawherrycouldbemooredAlongtheguardedland.
Ifearednotthen--Ifearnotnow;TheinterestofeachstirringsceneWakesanewsense,awelcomeglow,
Ineverynerveandboundingvein;AlikeonturbidChannelsea,OrinstillwoodofNormandy,Ifeelasbornagain.
TheraindescendedthatwildmornWhen,anchoringinthecoveatlast,Ourband,allwearyandforlornAshore,likewave-wornsailors,cast--Soughtforashelteringroofinvain,AndscarcecouldscantyfoodobtainTobreaktheirmorningfast.
Thoudidstthycrustwithmedivide,Thoudidstthycloakaroundmefold;And,sittingsilentbythyside,Iatethebreadinpeaceuntold:Givenkindlyfromthyhand,'twassweetAscostlyfareorprincelytreatOnroyalplateofgold.
Sharpblewthesleetuponmyface,And,risingwild,thegustywindDroveonthosethunderingwavesapace,Ourcrewsolatehadleftbehind;But,spiteoffrozenshowerandstorm,
Soclosetothee,myheartbeatwarm,Andtranquilsleptmymind.
Sonow--norfoot-sorenoropprestWithwalkingallthisAugustday,Itasteaheaveninthisbriefrest,Thisgipsy-haltbesidetheway.England'swildflowersarefairtoview,LikebalmisEngland'ssummerdewLikegoldhersunsetray.
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Butthewhiteviolets,growinghere,AresweeterthanIyethaveseen,Andne'erdiddewsopureandclearDistilonforestmossesgreen,Asnow,calledforthbysummerheat,Perfumesourcoolandfreshretreat--Thesefragrantlimesbetween.
Thatsunset!Lookbeneaththeboughs,Overthecopse--beyondthehills;Howsoft,yetdeepandwarmitglows,Andheavenwithrichsuffusionfills;Withhueswherestilltheopal'stint,Itsgleamofprisonedfireisblent,Whereflamethroughazurethrills!
Departwenow--forfastwillfadeThatsolemnsplendourofdecline,Anddeepmustbetheafter-shadeAsstarsaloneto-nightwillshine;Nomoonisdestined--pale--togazeOnsuchaday'svastPhoenixblaze,Adayinfiresdecayed!
There--hand-in-handwetreadagainThemazesofthisvaryingwood,Andsoon,amidaculturedplain,Girtinwithfertilesolitude,Weshallourresting-placedescry,Markedbyoneroof-tree,toweringhighAboveafarmsteadrude.
Refreshed,erelong,withrusticfare,We'llseekacouchofdreamlessease;Couragewillguardthyheartfromfear,AndLovegiveminedivinestpeace:
To-morrowbringsmoredangeroustoil,AndthroughitsconflictandturmoilWe'llpass,asGodshallplease.
[Theprecedingcompositionrefers,doubtless,tothescenesactedinFranceduringthelastyearoftheConsulate.]
FRANCES.
Shewillnotsleep,forfearofdreams,
But,rising,quitsherrestlessbed,AndwalkswheresomebecloudedbeamsOfmoonlightthroughthehallareshed.
Obedienttothegoadofgrief,Hersteps,nowfast,nowlingeringslow,InvaryingmotionseekreliefFromtheEumenidesofwoe.
Wringingherhands,atintervals--
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Butlongasmuteasphantomdim--Sheglidesalongtheduskywalls,Undertheblackoakraftersgrim.
ThecloseairofthegratedtowerStiflesaheartthatscarcecanbeat,And,thoughsolateandlonethehour,Forthpassherwandering,falteringfeet;
AndonthepavementspreadbeforeThelongfrontofthemansiongrey,Herstepsimprintthenight-frosthoar,Whichpaleongrassandgranitelay.
NotlongshestayedwheremistymoonAndshimmeringstarscouldonherlook,ButthroughthegardenarchwaysoonHerstrangeandgloomypathshetook.
Somefirs,coevalwiththetower,Theirstraightblackboughsstretchedo'erherhead;Unseen,beneaththissablebower,Rustledherdressandrapidtread.
Therewasanalcoveinthatshade,Screeningarusticseatandstand;Wearyshesatherdown,andlaidHerhotbrowonherburninghand.
Tosolitudeandtothenight,Somewordsshenow,inmurmurs,said;Andtricklingthroughherfingerswhite,Sometearsofmiserysheshed.
"Godhelpmeinmygrievousneed,Godhelpmeinmyinwardpain;Whichcannotaskforpity'smeed,
Whichhasnolicencetocomplain,
"Whichmustbeborne;yetwhocanbear,Hourslong,dayslong,aconstantweight--Theyokeofabsolutedespair,Asufferingwhollydesolate?
"Whocanforevercrushtheheart,Restrainitsthrobbing,curbitslife?Dissembletruthwithceaselessart,Withoutwardcalmmaskinwardstrife?"
Shewaited--asforsomereply;
Thestillandcloudynightgavenone;Erelong,withdeep-drawn,tremblingsigh,Herheavyplaintagainbegun.
"Unloved--Ilove;unwept--Iweep;GriefIrestrain--hopeIrepress:Vainisthisanguish--fixedanddeep;Vainer,desiresanddreamsofbliss.
"Myloveawakesnoloveagain,
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Mytearscollect,andfallunfelt;Mysorrowtouchesnonewithpain,Myhumblehopestonothingmelt.
"Formetheuniverseisdumb,Stone-deaf,andblank,andwhollyblind;LifeImustbound,existencesumInthestraitlimitsofonemind;
"Thatmindmyown.Oh!narrowcell;Dark--imageless--alivingtomb!TheremustIsleep,therewakeanddwellContent,withpalsy,pain,andgloom."
Againshepaused;amoanofpain,Astifledsob,alonewasheard;Longsilencefollowed--thenagainHervoicethestagnantmidnightstirred.
"Mustitbeso?Isthismyfate?CanInorstruggle,norcontend?AndamIdoomedforyearstowait,Watchingdeath'slingeringaxedescend?
"Andwhenitfalls,andwhenIdie,Whatfollows?Vacantnothingness?Theblankoflostidentity?Erasurebothofpainandbliss?
"I'veheardofheaven--Iwouldbelieve;Forifthisearthindeedbeall,Wholongestlivesmaydeepestgrieve;Mostblest,whomsorrowssoonestcall.
"Oh!leavingdisappointmenthere,Willmanfindhopeonyondercoast?Hope,which,onearth,shinesneverclear,
Andoftincloudsiswhollylost.
"Willhehope'ssourceoflightbehold,Fruition'sspring,wheredoubtsexpire,Anddrink,inwavesoflivinggold,Contentment,full,forlongdesire?
"Willhefindbliss,whichherehedreamed?Rest,whichwaswearinessonearth?Knowledge,which,ifo'erlifeitbeamed,Servedbuttoproveitvoidofworth?
"Willhefindlovewithoutlust'sleaven,
Lovefearless,tearless,perfect,pure,Toallwithequalbountygiven;Inall,unfeigned,unfailing,sure?
"Willhe,frompenalsufferingsfree,Releasedfromshroudandwormyclod,Allcalmandglorious,riseandseeCreation'sSire--Existence'God?
"Then,glancingbackonTime'sbriefwoes,
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Willhebeholdthem,fading,fly;SweptfromEternity'srepose,Likesullyingcloudfrompurebluesky?
"Ifso,endure,mywearyframe;Andwhenthyanguishstrikestoodeep,Andwhenalltroubledburnslife'sflame,Thinkofthequiet,finalsleep;
"Thinkofthegloriouswaking-hour,Whichwillnotdawnongriefandtears,Butonaransomedspirit'spower,Certain,andfreefrommortalfears.
"Seeknowthycouch,andlietillmorn,Thenfromthychamber,calm,descend,Withmindnortossed,noranguish-torn,Buttranquil,fixed,towaittheend.
"AndwhenthyopeningeyesshallseeMementos,onthechamberwall,Ofonewhohasforgottenthee,Shednotthetearofacridgall.
"Thetearwhich,wellingfromtheheart,Burnswhereitsdropcorrosivefalls,Andmakeseachnerve,intorture,start,Atfeelingsittoowellrecalls:
"WhenthesweethopeofbeinglovedThrewEdensunshineonlife'sway:WheneverysenseandfeelingprovedExpectancyofbrightestday.
"WhenthehandtrembledtoreceiveAthrillingclasp,whichseemedsonear,Andtheheartventuredtobelieve
Anotherheartesteemeditdear.
"Whenwords,halflove,alltenderness,Werehourlyheard,ashourlyspoken,Whenthelong,sunnydaysofblissOnlybymoonlightnightswerebroken.
"Till,dropbydrop,thecupofjoyFilledfull,withpurplelightwasglowing,AndFaith,whichwatchedit,sparklinghighStillneverdreamttheoverflowing.
"Itfellnotwithasuddencrashing,
Itpourednotoutlikeopensluice;No,sparklingstill,andredlyflashing,Drained,dropbydrop,thegenerousjuice.
"Isawitsink,andstrovetotasteit,Myeagerlipsapproachedthebrim;Themovementonlyseemedtowasteit;Itsanktodregs,allharshanddim.
"TheseIhavedrunk,andtheyforever
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Havepoisonedlifeandloveforme;AdraughtfromSodom'slakecouldneverMorefiery,salt,andbitter,be.
"Oh!LovewasallathinillusionJoy,butthedesert'sflyingstream;Andglancingbackonlongdelusion,Mymemorygraspsahollowdream.
"Yetwhencethatwondrouschangeoffeeling,Ineverknew,andcannotlearn;Norwhymylover'seye,congealing,Grewcoldandclouded,proudandstern.
"Norwherefore,friendship'sformsforgetting,Hecarelessleft,andcoolwithdrew;Norspokeofgrief,norfondregretting,Norev'noneglanceofcomfortthrew.
"Andneitherwordnortokensending,Ofkindness,sincethepartingday,Hiscourse,fordistantregionsbending,Went,self-containedandcalm,away.
"Oh,bitter,blighting,keensensation,Whichwillnotweaken,cannotdie,Hastenthyworkofdesolation,Andletmytorturedspiritfly!
"Vainasthepassinggale,mycrying;Thoughlightning-struck,Imustliveon;Iknow,atheart,thereisnodyingOflove,andruinedhope,alone.
"Stillstrongandyoung,andwarmwithvigour,Thoughscathed,Ilongshallgreenlygrow;Andmanyastormofwildestrigour
Shallyetbreako'ermyshiveredbough.
"Rebelliousnowtoblankinertion,Myunusedstrengthdemandsatask;Travel,andtoil,andfullexertion,Arethelast,onlyboonIask.
"Whence,then,thisvainandbarrendreamingOfdeath,anddubiouslifetocome?IseeanearerbeacongleamingOverdejection'sseaofgloom.
"Theverywildnessofmysorrow
TellsmeIyethaveinnateforce;Mytrackoflifehasbeentoonarrow,Effortshalltraceabroadercourse.
"Theworldisnotinyondertower,Earthisnotprisonedinthatroom,'Midwhosedarkpanels,hourbyhour,I'vesat,theslaveandpreyofgloom.
"Onefeeling--turnedtoutteranguish,
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Isnotmybeing'sonlyaim;When,lornandloveless,lifewilllanguish,Butcouragecanrevivetheflame.
"He,whenheleftme,wentarovingTosunnyclimes,beyondthesea;AndI,theweightofwoeremoving,Amfreeandfetterlessashe.
"Newscenes,newlanguage,skieslessclouded,Mayoncemorewakethewishtolive;Strange,foreigntowns,astir,andcrowded,Newpicturestothemindmaygive.
"Newformsandfaces,passingever,MayhidetheoneIstillretain,Defined,andfixed,andfadingnever,Stampeddeeponvision,heart,andbrain.
"Andwemightmeet--timemayhavechangedhim;Chancemayrevealthemystery,Thesecretinfluencewhichestrangedhim;Lovemayrestorehimyettome.
"Falsethought--falsehope--inscornbebanished!Iamnotloved--norlovedhavebeen;Recallnot,then,thedreamsscarcevanished;Traitors!misleadmenotagain!
"TowordslikeyoursIbiddefiance,'Tissuchmymentalwreckhavemade;OfGodalone,andself-reliance,Iaskforsolace--hopeforaid.
"Morncomes--anderemeridiangloryO'erthese,mynatalwoods,shallsmile,Bothlonelywoodandmansionhoary
I'llleavebehind,fullmanyamile."
GILBERT.
I.THEGARDEN.
Abovethecityhungthemoon,Righto'eraplotofgroundWhereflowersandorchard-treeswerefencedWithloftywallsaround:
'TwasGilbert'sgarden--thereto-nightAwhilehewalkedalone;And,tiredwithsedentarytoil,Musedwherethemoonlightshone.
Thisgarden,inacity-heart,Laystillashouselesswild,Thoughmany-windowedmansionfrontsWereroundit;closelypiled;Butthicktheirwalls,andthosewithin
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Livedlivesbynoiseunstirred;Likewaftingofanangel'swing,Time'sflightbythemwasheard.
Somesoftpiano-notesaloneWeresweetasfaintlygiven,Whereladies,doubtless,cheeredthehearthWithsongthatwinter-even.Thecity'smany-mingledsoundsRoselikethehumofocean;TheyratherlulledtheheartthanrousedItspulsetofastermotion.
GilberthaspacedthesinglewalkAnhour,yetisnotweary;And,thoughitbeawinternightHefeelsnorcoldnordreary.Theprimeoflifeisinhisveins,Andsendshisbloodfastflowing,AndFancy'sfervourwarmsthethoughtsNowinhisbosomglowing.
Thosethoughtsrecurtoearlylove,Orwhathelovewouldname,
ThoughhaplyGilbert'ssecretdeedsMightothertitleclaim.Suchthemenotofthismindabsorbs,Hetotheworldclingsfast,Andtoomuchforthepresentlives,Tolingero'erthepast.
Butnowtheevening'sdeepreposeHasglidedtohissoul;ThatmoonlightfallsonMemory,Andshowsherfadingscroll.OnenameappearsineverylineThegentleraysshineo'er,
AndstillhesmilesandstillrepeatsThatonename--Elinor.
Thereisnosorrowinhissmile,Nokindnessinhistone;ThetriumphofaselfishheartSpeakscoldlytherealone;Hesays:"Shelovedmemorethanlife;AndtrulyitwassweetToseesofairawomankneel,Inbondage,atmyfeet.
"Therewasasortofquietbliss
Tobesodeeplyloved,TogazeontremblingeagernessAndsitmyselfunmoved.AndwhenitpleasedmypridetograntAtlastsomerarecaress,TofeelthefeverofthathandMyfingersdeignedtopress.
"'TwassweettoseeherstrivetohideWhateveryglancerevealed;
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Endowed,thewhile,withdespot-mightHerdestinytowield.Iknewmyselfnoperfectman,Nor,asshedeemed,divine;IknewthatIwasglorious--butByherreflectedshine;
"Heryouth,hernativeenergy,Herpowersnew-bornandfresh,'TwasthesewithGodheadsanctifiedMysensualframeofflesh.Yet,likeagoddidIdescendAtlast,tomeetherlove;And,likeagod,IthenwithdrewTomyownheavenabove.
"AndnevermorecouldsheinvokeMypresencetohersphere;Noprayer,noplaint,nocryofhersCouldwinmyawfulear.IknewherblindedconstancyWouldne'ermydeedsbetray,And,calminconscience,wholeinheart.Iwentmytranquilway.
"Yet,sometimes,Istillfeelawish,ThefondandflatteringpainOfpassion'sanguishtocreateInheryoungbreastagain.Brightwasthelustreofhereyes,Whentheycaughtfirefrommine;IfIhadpower--thisveryhour,AgainI'dlighttheirshine.
"Butwheresheis,orhowshelives,Ihavenocluetoknow;I'veheardshelongmyabsencepined,
Andleftherhomeinwoe.Butbusied,then,ingatheringgold,AsIambusiednow,Icouldnotturnfromsuchpursuit,Toweepabrokenvow.
"NorcouldIgivetofatalriskThefameIeverprized;Evennow,Ifear,thatpreciousfameIstoomuchcompromised."Aninwardtroubledimshiseye,Someriddlehewouldsolve;Somemethodtounlooseaknot,
Hisanxiousthoughtsrevolve.
He,pensive,leansagainstatree,Aleafyevergreen,Theboughs,themoonlight,intercept,AndhidehimlikeascreenHestarts--thetreeshakeswithhistremor,Yetnothingnearhimpass'd;Hehurriesupthegardenalley,Instrangelysuddenhaste.
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Withshakinghand,heliftsthelatchet,Stepso'erthethresholdstone;Theheavydoorslipsfromhisfingers--Itshuts,andheisgone.Whattouched,transfixed,appalled,hissoul?--Anervousthought,nomore;'Twillsinklikestoneinplacidpool,Andcalmclosesmoothlyo'er.
II.THEPARLOUR.
Warmistheparlouratmosphere,Serenethelamp'ssoftlight;Thevividembers,redandclear,Proclaimafrostynight.Books,varied,onthetablelie,Threechildreno'erthembend,Andall,withcurious,eagereye,Theturningleafattend.
PictureandtalealternatelyTheirsimpleheartsdelight,
Andinterestdeep,andtemperedglee,Illumetheiraspectsbright.Theparents,fromtheirfiresideplace,Beholdthatpleasantscene,Andjoyisonthemother'sface,Prideinthefather'smien.
AsGilbertseeshisbloomingwife,Beholdshischildrenfair,Nothoughthasheoftransientstrife,Orpast,thoughpiercingfear.ThevoiceofhappyinfancyLispssweetlyinhisear,
Hiswife,withpleasedandpeacefuleye,Sits,kindlysmiling,near.
Thefireglowsonhersilkendress,Andshowsitsamplegrace,Andwarmlytintseachhazeltress,Curledsoftaroundherface.Thebeautythatinyouthhewooed,Isbeautystill,unfaded;ThebrowofeverplacidmoodNochurlishgriefhasshaded.
Prosperity,inGilbert'shome,
Abidestheguestofyears;ThereWantorDiscordnevercome,AndseldomToilorTears.ThecarpetsbearthepeacefulprintOfcomfort'svelvettread,Andgoldengleams,fromplentysent,Ineverynookareshed.
TheverysilkenspanielseemsOfquieteasetotell,
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Asnearitsmistress'feetitdreams,Sunkinacushion'sswellAndsmilesseemnativetotheeyesOfthosesweetchildren,three;Theyhavebutlookedontranquilskies,Andknownotmisery.
Alas!thatMiseryshouldcomeInsuchanhourasthis;WhycouldshenotsocalmahomeAlittlelongermiss?Butsheisnowwithinthedoor,Herstepsadvancingglide;Hersullenshadehascrossedthefloor,ShestandsatGilbert'sside.
Shelaysherhanduponhisheart,Itboundswithagony;HisfiresidechairshakeswiththestartThatshookthegardentree.Hiswifetowardsthechildrenlooks,Shedoesnotmarkhismien;Thechildren,bendingo'ertheirbooks,Histerrorhavenotseen.
Inhisownhome,byhisownhearth,Hesitsinsolitude,Andcircledroundwithlightandmirth,Coldhorrorchillshisblood.HismindwouldholdwithdesperateclutchThescenethatroundhimlies;No--changed,asbysomewizard'stouch,Thepresentprospectflies.
Atumultvague--aviewlessstrifeHisfutilestrugglescrush;'Twixthimandhisanunknownlife
Andunknownfeelingsrush.Hesees--butscarcecanlanguagepaintThetissuefancyweaves;ForwordsoftgivebutechofaintOfthoughtsthemindconceives.
Noise,tumultstrange,anddarknessdim,Effacebothlightandquiet;Noshapeisinthoseshadowsgrim,Novoiceinthatwildriot.Sustain'dandstrong,awondrousblastAboveandroundhimblows;Agreenishgloom,denseovercast,
Eachmomentdensergrows.
Henothingknows--norclearlysees,Resistancecheckshisbreath,Thehigh,impetuous,ceaselessbreezeBlowsonhimcoldasdeath.AndstilltheundulatinggloomMockssightwithformlessmotion:WassuchsensationJonah'sdoom,Gulphedinthedepthsofocean?
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Streakingtheair,thenamelessvision,Fast-driven,deep-sounding,flows;Oh!whenceitssource,andwhatitsmission?Howwillitsterrorsclose?Long-sweeping,rushing,vastandvoid,Theuniverseitswallows;Andstillthedark,devouringtideAtyphoontempestfollows.
Moreslowitrolls;itsfuriousraceSinkstoitssolemngliding;Thestunningroar,thewind'swildchase,Tostillnessaresubsiding.And,slowlybornealong,aformTheshapelesschaosvaries;Poisedintheeddytothestorm,Beforetheeyeittarries.
Awomandrowned--sunkinthedeep,Onalongwavereclining;Thecirclingwaters'crystalsweep,Likeglass,hershapeenshrining.Herpaledeadface,toGilbertturned,
Seemsasinsleepreposing;Afeeblelight,nowfirstdiscerned,Thefeatureswelldisclosing.
NoeffortfromthehauntedairTheghastlyscenecouldbanish,Thathoveringwave,arrestedthere,Rolled--throbbed--butdidnotvanish.IfGilbertupwardturnedhisgaze,Hesawtheocean-shadow;Ifhelookeddown,theendlessseasLaygreenassummermeadow.
Andstraightbefore,thepalecorpselay,Upbornebyairorbillow,Sonear,hecouldhavetouchedthesprayThatchurnedarounditspillow.ThehollowanguishofthefaceHadmovedafiendtosorrow;Notdeath'sfixedcalmcouldrasethetraceOfsuffering'sdeep-wornfurrow.
Allmoved;astrongreturningblast,Themassofwatersraising,Borewaveandpassivecarcasepast,WhileGilbertyetwasgazing.
Deepinherisle-conceivingwomb,Itseemedtheoceanthundered,Andsoon,byrealmsofrushinggloom,Wereseerandphantomsundered.
Thensweptsometimbersfromawreck.Onfollowingsurgesriding;Thensea-weed,intheturbidrackUptorn,wentslowlygliding.Thehorridshade,byslowdegrees,
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Abeamoflightdefeated,Andthentheroarofravingseas,Fast,far,andfaint,retreated.
Andallwasgone--gonelikeamist,Corse,billows,tempest,wreck;ThreechildrenclosetoGilbertprestAndclungaroundhisneck.Goodnight!goodnight!theprattlerssaid,Andkissedtheirfather'scheek;'TwasnowthehourtheirquietbedAndplacidresttoseek.
ThemotherwithheroffspringgoesToheartheireveningprayer;ShenoughtofGilbert'svisionknows,Andnoughtofhisdespair.Yet,pityingGod,abridgethetimeOfanguish,nowhisfate!Though,haply,greathasbeenhiscrime:Thymercy,too,isgreat.
Gilbert,atlength,upliftshishead,Bentforsomemomentslow,
AndthereisneithergriefnordreadUponhissubtlebrow.Forwellcanhehisfeelingstask,Andwellhislookscommand;Hisfeatureswellhisheartcanmask,Withsmilesandsmoothnessbland.
Gilberthasreasonedwithhismind--Hesays'twasalladream;HestriveshisinwardsighttoblindAgainsttruth'sinwardbeam.Hepitiednotthatshadowything,Whenitwasfleshandblood;
Nornowcanpity'sbalmyspringRefreshhisaridmood.
"Andifthatdreamhasspokentruth,"Thusmusinglyhesays;"IfElinorbedead,insooth,Suchchancetheshockrepays:Anetwaswovenroundmyfeet,Iscarcecouldfurthergo;Ereshamehadforcedafastretreat,Dishonourbroughtmelow.
"Concealher,then,deep,silentsea,
Giveherasecretgrave!Shesleepsinpeace,andIamfree,Nolongerterror'sslave:Andhomagestill,fromalltheworld,Shallgreetmyspotlessname,SincesurgesbreakandwavesarecurledAboveitsthreatenedshame."
III.THEWELCOMEHOME.
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Abovethecityhangsthemoon,Somecloudsarebodingrain;Gilbert,erewhileonjourneygone,To-nightcomeshomeagain.Tenyearshavepassedabovehishead,Eachyearhasbroughthimgain;Hisprosperouslifehassmoothlysped,Withoutortearorstain.
'Tissomewhatlate--thecityclocksTwelvedeepvibrationstoll,AsGilbertattheportalknocks,Whichishisjourney'sgoal.Thestreetisstillanddesolate,Themoonhidbyacloud;Gilbert,impatient,willnotwait,--Hissecondknockpealsloud.
Theclocksarehushed--there'snotalightInanywindownigh,AndnotasingleplanetbrightLooksfromthecloudedsky;Theairisraw,theraindescends,
Abitternorth-windblows;Hiscloakthetravellerscarcedefends--Willnotthedoorunclose?
Heknocksthethirdtime,andthelastHissummonsnowtheyhear,Within,afootstep,hurryingfast,Isheardapproachingnear.Theboltisdrawn,theclankingchainFallstothefloorofstone;AndGilberttohisheartwillstrainHiswifeandchildrensoon.
Thehandthatliftsthelatchet,holdsAcandletohissight,AndGilbert,onthestep,beholdsAwoman,cladinwhite.Lo!waterfromherdrippingdressRunsonthestreamingfloor;FromeverydarkandclingingtressThedropsincessantpour.
There'snonebuthertowelcomehim;Sheholdsthecandlehigh,And,motionlessinformandlimb,Standscoldandsilentnigh;
There'ssandandsea-weedonherrobe,Herholloweyesareblind;Nopulseinsuchaframecanthrob,Nolifeistheredefined.
Gilbertturnedashy-white,butstillHislipsvouchsafednocry;Hespurredhisstrengthandmaster-willTopassthefigureby,--But,movingslow,itfacedhimstraight,
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Itwouldnotflinchnorquail:ThenfirstdidGilbert'sstrengthabate,Hisstonyfirmnessquail.
HesankuponhiskneesandprayedTheshapestoodrigidthere;Hecalledaloudforhumanaid,Nohumanaidwasnear.AnaccentstrangedidthusrepeatHeaven'ssternbutjustdecree:"Themeasurethoutoherdidstmete,Totheeshallmeasuredbe!"
Gilbertsprangfromhisbendedknees,Bythepalespectrepushed,And,wildasonewhomdemonsseize,Upthehall-staircaserushed;Enteredhischamber--nearthebedSheathedsteelandfire-armshung--ImpelledbymaniacpurposedreadHechosethosestoresamong.
Acrosshisthroatakeen-edgedknifeWithvigoroushandhedrew;
Thewoundwaswide--hisoutragedlifeRushedrashandredlythrough.Andthusdied,byashamefuldeath,Awiseandworldlyman,WhoneverdrewbutselfishbreathSincefirsthislifebegan.
LIFE.
Life,believe,isnotadream
Sodarkassagessay;OftalittlemorningrainForetellsapleasantday.Sometimestherearecloudsofgloom,Butthesearetransientall;Iftheshowerwillmaketherosesbloom,Owhylamentitsfall?Rapidly,merrily,Life'ssunnyhoursflitby,Gratefully,cheerilyEnjoythemastheyfly!WhatthoughDeathattimesstepsin,AndcallsourBestaway?
Whatthoughsorrowseemstowin,O'erhope,aheavysway?YetHopeagainelasticsprings,Unconquered,thoughshefell;Stillbuoyantarehergoldenwings,Stillstrongtobearuswell.Manfully,fearlessly,Thedayoftrialbear,Forgloriously,victoriously,Cancouragequelldespair!
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THELETTER.
Whatisshewriting?Watchhernow,Howfastherfingersmove!HoweagerlyheryouthfulbrowIsbentinthoughtabove!Herlongcurls,drooping,shadethelight,Sheputsthemquickaside,Norknowsthatbandofcrystalsbright,Herhastytouchuntied.Itslipsadownhersilkendress,Fallsglitteringatherfeet;Unmarkeditfalls,forshenolessPursuesherlaboursweet.
Theveryloveliesthourthatshines,Isinthatdeepbluesky;ThegoldensunofJunedeclines,Ithasnotcaughthereye.Thecheerfullawn,andunclosedgate,
Thewhiteroad,faraway,Invainforherlightfootstepswait,Shecomesnotforthto-day.ThereisanopendoorofglassClosebythatlady'schair,Fromthence,toslopesofmessygrass,Descendsamarblestair.
TallplantsofbrightandspicybloomAroundthethresholdgrow;TheirleavesandblossomsshadetheroomFromthatsun'sdeepeningglow.Whydoesshenotamomentglance
Betweentheclusteringflowers,AndmarkinheaventheradiantdanceOfevening'srosyhours?Olookagain!Stillfixedhereye,Unsmiling,earnest,still,Andfastherpenandfingersfly,Urgedbyhereagerwill.
Hersoulisinth'absorbingtask;Towhom,then,dothshewrite?Nay,watchherstillmoreclosely,askHerowneyes'seriouslight;Wheredotheyturn,asnowherpen
Hangso'erth'unfinishedline?WhencefellthetearfulgleamthatthenDidintheirdarkspheresshine?Thesummer-parlourlookssodark,Whenfromthatskyyouturn,Andfromth'expanseofthatgreenpark,Youscarcemayaughtdiscern.
Yet,o'erthepilesofporcelainrare,O'erflower-stand,couch,andvase,
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Sloped,asifleaningontheair,Onepicturemeetsthegaze.'Tistheresheturns;youmaynotseeDistinct,whatformdefinesThecloudedmassofmysteryYonbroadgoldframeconfines.Butlookagain;inuredtoshadeYoureyesnowfaintlytraceAstalwartform,amassivehead,Afirm,determinedface.
BlackSpanishlocks,asunburntcheekAbrowhigh,broad,andwhite,WhereeveryfurrowseemstospeakOfmindandmoralmight.Isthathergod?Icannottell;HereyeamomentmetTh'impendingpicture,thenitfellDarkenedanddimmedandwet.Amomentmore,hertaskisdone,Andsealedtheletterlies;Andnow,towardsthesettingsunSheturnshertearfuleyes.
Thosetearsflowover,wondernot,ForbytheinscriptionseeInwhatastrangeanddistantspotHerheartofheartsmustbe!ThreeseasandmanyaleagueoflandThatlettermustpasso'er,Erereadbyhimtowhoselovedhand'TissentfromEngland'sshore.RemotecolonialwildsdetainHerhusband,lovedthoughstern;She,'midthatsmilingEnglishscene,Weepsforhiswishedreturn.
REGRET.
LongagoIwishedtoleave"ThehousewhereIwasborn;"LongagoIusedtogrieve,Myhomeseemedsoforlorn.Inotheryears,itssilentroomsWerefilledwithhauntingfears;Now,theirverymemorycomesO'erchargedwithtendertears.
LifeandmarriageIhaveknown.Thingsoncedeemedsobright;Now,howutterlyisflownEveryrayoflight!'Midtheunknownsea,oflifeInoblestislehavefound;Atlast,throughallitswildwave'sstrife,Mybarkishomewardbound.
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Farewell,darkandrollingdeep!Farewell,foreignshore!Open,inuncloudedsweep,Thougloriousrealmbefore!Yet,thoughIhadsafelypass'dThatweary,vexedmain,Onelovedvoice,throughsurgeandblastCouldcallmebackagain.
Thoughthesoul'sbrightmorningroseO'erParadiseforme,William!evenfromHeaven'sreposeI'dturn,invokedbythee!Stormnorsurgeshoulde'erarrestMysoul,exaltingthen:Allmyheavenwasoncethybreast,Woulditweremineagain!
PRESENTIMENT.
"Sister,you'vesattherealltheday,
Cometothehearthawhile;Thewindsowildlysweepsaway,Thecloudssodarklypile.Thatopenbookhaslain,unread,Forhoursuponyourknee;You'veneversmilednorturnedyourhead;Whatcanyou,sister,see?"
"Comehither,Jane,lookdownthefield;Howdenseamistcreepson!Thepath,thehedge,arebothconcealed,Ev'nthewhitegateisgoneNolandscapethroughthefogItrace,
Nohillwithpasturesgreen;AllfeaturelessisNature'sface.Allmaskedincloudshermien.
"ScarceistherustleofaleafHeardinourgardennow;Theyeargrowsold,itsdayswaxbrief,Thetressesleaveitsbrow.Theraindrivesfastbeforethewind,Theskyisblankandgrey;OJane,whatsadnessfillsthemindOnsuchadrearyday!"
"Youthinktoomuch,mysisterdear;Yousittoolongalone;WhatthoughNovemberdaysbedrear?Fullsoonwilltheybegone.I'vesweptthehearth,andplacedyourchair,.Come,Emma,sitbyme;Ourownfiresideisneverdrear,Thoughlateandwintrywanetheyear,Thoughroughthenightmaybe."
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"ThepeacefulglowofourfiresideImpartsnopeacetome:MythoughtswouldratherwanderwideThanrest,dearJane,withthee.I'monadistantjourneybound,Andif,aboutmyheart,Toocloselykindredtieswerebound,'Twouldbreakwhenforcedtopart.
"'SoonwillNovemberdaysbeo'er:'Wellhaveyouspoken,Jane:Myownforebodingstellmemore--Forme,Iknowbypresagesure,They'llne'erreturnagain.Erelong,norsunnorstormtomeWillbringorjoyorgloom;TheyreachnotthatEternityWhichsoonwillbemyhome."
Eightmonthsaregone,thesummersunSetsinaglorioussky;Aquietfield,allgreenandlone,Receivesitsrosydye.Janesitsuponashadedstile,
Aloneshesitstherenow;Herheadrestsonherhandthewhile,Andthoughto'ercastsherbrow.
She'sthinkingofonewinter'sday,Afewshortmonthsago,ThenEmma'sbierwasborneawayO'erwastesoffrozensnow.She'sthinkinghowthatdriftedsnowDissolvedinspring'sfirstgleam,Andhowhersister'smemorynowFades,evenasfadesadream.
Thesnowwillwhitenearthagain,ButEmmacomesnomore;Sheleft,'midwinter'ssleetandrain,ThisworldforHeaven'sfarshore.OnBeulah'shillsshewandersnow,OnEden'stranquilplain;TohershallJanehereaftergo,Shene'ershallcometoJane!
THETEACHER'SMONOLOGUE.
Theroomisquiet,thoughtsalonePeopleitsmutetranquillity;Theyokeputoff,thelongtaskdone,--Iam,asitisblisstobe,Stillanduntroubled.Now,Isee,Forthefirsttime,howsoftthedayO'erwavelesswater,stirlesstree,Silentandsunny,wingsitsway.Now,asIwatchthatdistanthill,
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Sofaint,soblue,sofarremoved,Sweetdreamsofhomemyheartmayfill,ThathomewhereIamknownandloved:Itliesbeyond;yonazurebrowPartsmefromallEarthholdsforme;And,mornandeve,myyearningsflowThitherwardtending,changelessly.Myhappiesthours,aye!allthetime,Ilovetokeepinmemory,Lapsedamongmoors,erelife'sfirstprimeDecayedtodarkanxiety.
Sometimes,IthinkanarrowheartMakesmethusmournthosefaraway,AndkeepsmylovesofarapartFromfriendsandfriendshipsofto-day;Sometimes,Ithink'tisbutadreamItreasureupsojealously,AllthesweetthoughtsIliveonseemTovanishintovacancy:Andthen,thisstrange,coarseworldaroundSeemsallthat'spalpableandtrue;Andeverysight,andeverysound,Combinesmyspirittosubdue
Toachinggrief,sovoidandloneIsLifeandEarth--soworsethanvain,Thehopesthat,inmyownheartsown,AndcherishedbysuchsunandrainAsJoyandtransientSorrowshed,Haveripenedtoaharvestthere:Alas!methinksIhearitsaid,"Thygoldensheavesareemptyair."
Allfadesaway;myveryhomeIthinkwillsoonbedesolate;Ihear,attimes,awarningcomeOfbitterpartingsatitsgate;
And,ifIshouldreturnandseeThehearth-firequenched,thevacantchair;Andhearitwhisperedmournfully,Thatfarewellshavebeenspokenthere,WhatshallIdo,andwhitherturn?Wherelookforpeace?Whenceasetomourn?
*
'TisnottheairIwishedtoplay,ThestrainIwishedtosing;MywilfulspiritslippedawayAndstruckanotherstring.
Ineitherwantedsmilenortear,Brightjoynorbitterwoe,Butjustasongthatsweetandclear,Thoughhaplysad,mightflow.
Aquietsong,tosolacemeWhensleeprefusedtocome;Astraintochasedespondency,Whensorrowfulforhome.InvainItry;Icannotsing;
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Allfeelssocoldanddead;Nowilddistress,nogushingspringOftearsinanguishshed;
ButalltheimpatientgloomofoneWhowaitsadistantday,When,somegreattaskofsufferingdone,Reposeshalltoilrepay.Foryouthdeparts,andpleasureflies,Andlifeconsumesaway,Andyouth'srejoicingardourdiesBeneaththisdreardelay;
AndPatience,wearywithheryoke,Isyieldingtodespair,AndHealth'selasticspringisbrokeBeneaththestrainofcare.LifewillbegoneereIhavelived;WherenowisLife'sfirstprime?I'veworkedandstudied,longedandgrieved,Throughallthatrosytime.
Totoil,tothink,tolong,togrieve,--Issuchmyfuturefate?
Themornwasdreary,musttheeveBealsodesolate?Well,suchalifeatleastmakesDeathAwelcome,wished-forfriend;Then,aidme,Reason,Patience,Faith,Tosuffertotheend!
PASSION.
Somehavewonawilddelight,
Bydaringwildersorrow;CouldIgainthyloveto-night,I'dhazarddeathto-morrow.
Couldthebattle-struggleearnOnekindglancefromthineeye,Howthiswitheringheartwouldburn,Theheadyfighttotry!
Welcomenightsofbrokensleep,Anddaysofcarnagecold,CouldIdeemthatthouwouldstweepTohearmyperilstold.
Tellme,ifwithwanderingbandsIroamfullfaraway,WiltthoutothosedistantlandsInspiriteverstray?
Wild,long,atrumpetsoundsafar;Bidme--bidmegoWhereSeikandBritonmeetinwar,OnIndianSutlej'sflow.
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BloodhasdyedtheSutlej'swavesWithscarletstain,Iknow;Indus'bordersyawnwithgraves,Yet,commandmego!
ThoughrankandhightheholocaustOfnationssteamstoheaven,GladI'djointhedeath-doomedhost,Werebutthemandategiven.
Passion'sstrengthshouldnervemyarm,Itsardourstirmylife,TillhumanforcetothatdreadcharmShouldyieldandsinkinwildalarm,Liketreestotempest-strife.
If,hotfromwar,Iseekthylove,Darestthouturnaside?Darestthouthenmyfirereprove,Byscorn,andmaddeningpride?
No--mywillshallyetcontrolThywill,sohighandfree,
Andloveshalltamethathaughtysoul--Yes--tenderestloveforme.
I'llreadmytriumphinthineeyes,Behold,andprovethechange;Thenleave,perchance,mynobleprize,Oncemoreinarmstorange.
I'ddiewhenallthefoamisup,Thebrightwinesparklinghigh;NorwaittillintheexhaustedcupLife'sdulldregsonlylie.
ThenLovethuscrownedwithsweetreward,Hopeblestwithfulnesslarge,I'dmountthesaddle,drawthesword,Andperishinthecharge!
PREFERENCE.
NotinscorndoIreprovethee,NotinpridethyvowsIwaive,But,believe,Icouldnotlovethee,
Wertthouprince,andIaslave.These,then,arethineoathsofpassion?This,thytendernessforme?Judged,even,bythineownconfession,Thouartsteepedinperfidy.Havingvanquished,thouwouldstleaveme!ThusIreadtheelongago;Therefore,daredInotdeceivethee,Evenwithfriendship'sgentleshow.Therefore,withimpassivecoldness
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HaveIevermetthygaze;Though,fulloft,withdaringboldness,Thouthineeyestominedidstraise.Whythatsmile?ThounowartdeemingThismycoldnessalluntrue,--Butamaskoffrozenseeming,Hidingsecretfiresfromview.Touchmyhand,thouself-deceiver;Nay-becalm,forIamso:Doesitburn?Doesmylipquiver?Hasmineeyeatroubledglow?Canstthoucallamoment'scolourTomyforehead--tomycheek?CanstthoutingetheirtranquilpallorWithoneflattering,feverishstreak?AmImarble?What!nowomanCouldsocalmbeforetheestand?Nothingliving,sentient,human,Couldsocoldlytakethyhand?Yes--asistermight,amother:Mygood-willissisterly:Dreamnot,then,IstrivetosmotherFiresthatinlyburnforthee.Ravenot,ragenot,wrathisfruitless,
Furycannotchangemymind;IbutdeemthefeelingrootlessWhichsowhirlsinpassion'swind.CanIlove?Oh,deeply--truly--Warmly--fondly--butnotthee;Andmyloveisansweredduly,Withanequalenergy.Wouldstthouseethyrival?Hasten,Drawthatcurtainsoftaside,LookwhereyonthickbrancheschastenNoon,withshadesofeventide.Inthatglade,wherefoliageblendingFormsagreenarchoverhead,
Sitsthyrival,thoughtfulbendingO'erastandwithpapersspread--Motionless,hisfingersplyingThatuntired,unrestingpen;Timeandtideunnoticedflying,Therehesits--thefirstofmen!Manofconscience--manofreason;Stern,perchance,buteverjust;Foetofalsehood,wrong,andtreason,Honour'sshield,andvirtue'strust!Worker,thinker,firmdefenderOfHeaven'struth--man'sliberty;Soulofiron--prooftoslander,
Rockwherefounderstyranny.Fameheseeksnot--butfullsurelyShewillseekhim,inhishome;ThisIknow,andwaitsecurelyFortheatoninghourtocome.Tothatmanmyfaithisgiven,Therefore,soldier,ceasetosue;WhileGodreignsinearthandheaven,Itohimwillstillbetrue!
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EVENINGSOLACE.
Thehumanhearthashiddentreasures,Insecretkept,insilencesealed;--Thethoughts,thehopes,thedreams,thepleasures,Whosecharmswerebrokenifrevealed.Anddaysmaypassingayconfusion,Andnightsinrosyriotfly,While,lostinFame'sorWealth'sillusion,ThememoryofthePastmaydie.
Buttherearehoursoflonelymusing,Suchasineveningsilencecome,When,softasbirdstheirpinionsclosing,Theheart'sbestfeelingsgatherhome.TheninoursoulsthereseemstolanguishAtendergriefthatisnotwoe;AndthoughtsthatoncewrunggroansofanguishNowcausebutsomemildtearstoflow.
Andfeelings,onceasstrongaspassions,
Floatsoftlyback--afadeddream;Ourownsharpgriefsandwildsensations,Thetaleofothers'sufferingsseem.Oh!whentheheartisfreshlybleeding,Howlongsitforthattimetobe,When,throughthemistofyearsreceding,Itswoesbutliveinreverie!
Anditcandwellonmoonlightglimmer,Oneveningshadeandloneliness;And,whiletheskygrowsdimanddimmer,Feelnountoldandstrangedistress--Onlyadeeperimpulsegiven
Bylonelyhouranddarkenedroom,TosolemnthoughtsthatsoartoheavenSeekingalifeandworldtocome.
STANZAS.
Ifthoubeinalonelyplace,Ifonehour'scalmbethine,AsEveningbendsherplacidfaceO'erthissweetday'sdecline;
IfalltheearthandalltheheavenNowlookserenetothee,Aso'erthemshutsthesummereven,Onemoment--thinkofme!
Pause,inthelane,returninghome;'Tisdusk,itwillbestill:Pauseneartheelm,asacredgloomItsbreezelessboughswillfill.Lookatthatsoftandgoldenlight,
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Highintheuncloudedsky;Watchthelastbird'sbelatedflight,Asitflitssilentby.
Hark!forasounduponthewind,Astep,avoice,asigh;Ifallbestill,thenyieldthymind,Unchecked,tomemory.Ifthylovewerelikemine,howblestThattwilighthourwouldseem,When,backfromtheregrettedPast,Returnedourearlydream!
Ifthylovewerelikemine,howwildThylongings,eventopain,Forsunsetsoft,andmoonlightmild,Tobringthathouragain!Butoft,wheninthinearmsIlay,I'veseenthydarkeyesshine,AnddeeplyfelttheirchangefulraySpokeotherlovethanmine.
Myloveisalmostanguishnow,Itbeatssostrongandtrue;
'Twererapture,couldIdeemthatthouSuchanguisheverknew.Ihavebeenbutthytransientflower,Thouwertmygoddivine;Tillcheckedbydeath'scongealingpower,Thisheartmustthrobforthine.
Andwellmydyinghourwereblest,Iflife'sexpiringbreathShouldpass,asthylipsgentlyprestMyforeheadcoldindeath;Andsoundmysleepwouldbe,andsweet,Beneaththechurchyardtree,
IfsometimesinthyheartshouldbeatOnepulse,stilltruetome.
PARTING.
There'snouseinweeping,Thoughwearecondemnedtopart:There'ssuchathingaskeepingAremembranceinone'sheart:
There'ssuchathingasdwellingOnthethoughtourselveshavenursed,AndwithscornandcouragetellingTheworldtodoitsworst.
We'llnotletitsfolliesgrieveus,We'lljusttakethemastheycome;AndtheneverydaywillleaveusAmerrylaughforhome.
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Whenwe'velefteachfriendandbrother,Whenwe'repartedwideandfar,Wewillthinkofoneanother,Asevenbetterthanweare.
Everyglorioussightaboveus,Everypleasantsightbeneath,We'llconnectwiththosethatloveus,Whomwetrulylovetilldeath!
Intheevening,whenwe'resittingBythefire,perchancealone,Thenshallheartwithwarmheartmeeting,Giveresponsivetonefortone.
Wecanburstthebondswhichchainus,Whichcoldhumanhandshavewrought,AndwherenoneshalldarerestrainusWecanmeetagain,inthought.
Sothere'snouseinweeping,Bearacheerfulspiritstill;NeverdoubtthatFateiskeepingFuturegoodforpresentill!
APOSTASY.
Thislastdenialofmyfaith,Thou,solemnPriest,hastheard;And,thoughuponmybedofdeath,Icallnotbackaword.PointnottothyMadonna,Priest,--Thysightlesssaintofstone;Shecannot,fromthisburningbreast,
Wringonerepentantmoan.
Thousay'st,thatwhenasinlesschild,Idulybenttheknee,AndprayedtowhatinmarblesmiledCold,lifeless,mute,onme.Idid.Butlisten!ChildrenspringFullsoontoriperyouth;And,forLove'svowandWedlock'sring,Isoldmyearlytruth.
'Twasnotagrey,barehead,likethine,Bento'erme,whenIsaid,
"ThatlandandGodandFaitharemine,Forwhichthyfathersbled."Iseetheenot,myeyesaredim;ButwellIheartheesay,"OdaughterceasetothinkofhimWholedthysoulastray.
"Betweenyouliesbothspaceandtime;LetleaguesandyearsprevailToturntheefromthepathofcrime,
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BacktotheChurch'spale."And,didIneedthat,thoushouldsttellWhatmightybarriersriseTopartmefromthatdungeon-cell,WheremylovedWalterlies?
And,didIneedthatthoushouldsttauntMydyinghouratlast,BybiddingthiswornspiritpantNomoreforwhatispast?Priest--MUSTIceasetothinkofhim?Howhollowringsthatword!Cantime,cantears,candistancedimThememoryofmylord?
Isaidbefore,Isawnotthee,Because,anhouragone,Overmyeyeballs,heavily,Thelidsfelldownlikestone.Butstillmyspirit'sinwardsightBeholdshisimagebeamAsfixed,asclear,asburningbright,Assomeredplanet'sgleam.
TalknotofthyLastSacrament,Tellnotthybeadsforme;Bothriteandprayerarevainlyspent,Asdewsuponthesea.SpeaknotonewordofHeavenabove,RavenotofHell'salarms;GivemebutbackmyWalter'slove,Restoremetohisarms!
ThenwilltheblissofHeavenbewon;ThenwillHellshrinkaway,AsIhaveseennight'sterrorsshunTheconqueringstepsofday.
'Tismyreligionthustolove,Mycreedthusfixedtobe;NotDeathshallshake,norPriestcraftbreakMyrock-likeconstancy!
Nowgo;foratthedoortherewaitsAnotherstrangerguest;Hecalls--Icome--mypulsescarcebeats,Myheartfailsinmybreast.Againthatvoice--howfaraway,Howdrearysoundsthattone!AndI,methinks,amgoneastrayIntracklesswastesandlone.
Ifainwouldrestalittlewhile:WherecanIfindastay,Tilldawnuponthehillsshallsmile,Andshowsometroddenway?"Icome!Icome!"inhasteshesaid,"'TwasWalter'svoiceIheard!"Thenupshesprang--butfellback,dead,Hisnameherlatestword.
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WINTERSTORES.
Wetakefromlifeonelittleshare,AndsaythatthisshallbeAspace,redeemedfromtoilandcare,Fromtearsandsadnessfree.
And,haply,Deathunstringshisbow,AndSorrowstandsapart,And,foralittlewhile,weknowThesunshineoftheheart.
Existenceseemsasummereve,Warm,soft,andfullofpeace,Ourfree,unfetteredfeelingsgiveThesoulitsfullrelease.
Amoment,then,ittakesthepowerTocallupthoughtsthatthrowAroundthatcharmedandhallowedhour,Thislife'sdivinestglow.
ButTime,thoughviewlesslyitflies,Andslowly,willnotstay;Alike,throughclearandcloudedskies,Itcleavesitssilentway.
Alikethebittercupofgrief,Alikethedraughtofbliss,ItsprogressleavesbutmomentbriefForbaffledlipstokiss
Thesparklingdraughtisdriedaway,Thehourofrestisgone,
Andurgentvoices,roundus,say,"Ho,lingerer,hastenon!"
Andhasthesoul,then,onlygained,Fromthisbrieftimeofease,Amoment'srest,whenoverstrained,Onehurriedglimpseofpeace?
No;whilethesunshonekindlyo'erus,Andflowersbloomedroundourfeet,--WhilemanyabudofjoybeforeusUncloseditspetalssweet,--
Anunseenworkwithinwasplying;Likehoney-seekingbee,Fromflowertoflower,unwearied,flying,Labouredonefaculty,--
ThoughtfulforWinter'sfuturesorrow,Itsgloomandscarcity;Prescientto-day,ofwantto-morrow,ToiledquietMemory.
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'TisshethatfromeachtransientpleasureExtractsalastinggood;'Tisshethatfinds,insummer,treasureToserveforwinter'sfood.
AndwhenYouth'ssummerdayisvanished,AndAgebringsWinter'sstress,Herstores,withhoardedsweetsreplenished,Life'seveninghourswillbless.
THEMISSIONARY.
Plough,vessel,ploughtheBritishmain,Seekthefreeocean'swiderplain;LeaveEnglishscenesandEnglishskies,Unbind,disseverEnglishties;Bearmetoclimesremoteandstrange,Wherealteredlife,fast-followingchange,Hotaction,never-ceasingtoil,Shallstir,turn,dig,thespirit'ssoil;Freshrootsshallplant,freshseedshallsow,
Tillanewgardenthereshallgrow,Clearedoftheweedsthatfillitnow,--Merehumanlove,mereselfishyearning,Which,cherished,wouldarrestmeyet.Igrasptheplough,there'snoreturning,Letme,then,struggletoforget.
ButEngland'sshoresareyetinview,AndEngland'sskiesoftenderblueArearchedaboveherguardiansea.IcannotyetRemembranceflee;Imustagain,then,firmlyfaceThattaskofanguish,toretrace.
Weddedtohome--Ihomeforsake;Fearfulofchange--Ichangesmake;Toofondofease--Iplungeintoil;Loverofcalm--Iseekturmoil:NatureandhostileDestinyStirinmyheartaconflictwild;AndlongandfiercethewarwillbeEredutybothhasreconciled.
WhatothertieyetholdsmefastTothedivorced,abandonedpast?Smouldering,onmyheart'saltarliesThefireofsomegreatsacrifice,
Notyethalfquenched.ThesacredsteelButlatelystruckmycarnalwill,Mylife-longhope,firstjoyandlast,WhatIlovedwell,andclungtofast;WhatIwishedwildlytoretain,WhatIrenouncedwithsoul-feltpain;What--whenIsawit,axe-struck,perish--Leftmenojoyonearthtocherish;Amanbereft--yetsternlynowIdoconfirmthatJephthavow:
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ShallIretract,orfear,orflee?DidChrist,whenrosethefataltreeBeforehim,onMountCalvary?'Twasalongfight,hardfought,butwon,AndwhatIdidwasjustlydone.
Yet,Helen!fromthyloveIturned,Whenmyheartmostforthyheartburned;Idaredthytears,Idaredthyscorn--Easierthedeath-panghadbeenborne.Helen,thoumightstnotgowithme,Icouldnot--darednotstayforthee!Iheard,afar,inbondscomplainThesavagefrombeyondthemain;Andthatwildsoundroseo'erthecryWrungoutbypassion'sagony;Andevenwhen,withthebitteresttearIevershed,mineeyesweredim,Still,withthespirit'svisionclear,IsawHell'sempire,vastandgrim,SpreadoneachIndianriver'sshore,EachrealmofAsiacoveringo'er.There,theweak,trampledbythestrong,Livebuttosuffer--hopelessdie;
Therepagan-priests,whosecreedisWrong,Extortion,Lust,andCruelty,Crushourlostrace--andbrimmingfillThebittercupofhumanill;AndI--whohavethehealingcreed,ThefaithbenignofMary'sSon,ShallIbeholdmybrother'sneed,And,selfishly,toaidhimshun?I--whouponmymother'sknees,Inchildhood,readChrist'swrittenword,Receivedhislegacyofpeace,Hisholyruleofactionheard;I--inwhoseheartthesacredsense
OfJesus'lovewasearlyfelt;Ofhispure,fullbenevolence,Hispityingtendernessforguilt;Hisshepherd-careforwanderingsheep,Forallweak,sorrowing,tremblingthings,Hismercyvast,hispassiondeepOfanguishforman'ssufferings;I--schooledfromchildhoodinsuchlore--DaredIdrawbackorhesitate,WhencalledtohealthesicknesssoreOfthosefaroffanddesolate?Dark,intherealmandshadesofDeath,Nations,andtribes,andempireslie,
ButeventothemthelightofFaithIsbreakingontheirsombresky:AndbeitminetobidthemraiseTheirdroopedheadstothekindlingscene,AndknowandhailthesunriseblazeWhichheraldsChristtheNazarene.IknowhowHelltheveilwillspreadOvertheirbrowsandfilmyeyes,AndearthwardcrushtheliftedheadThatwouldlookupandseektheskies;
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IknowwhatwarthefiendwillwageAgainstthatsoldieroftheCross,Whocomestodarehisdemonrage,Andworkhiskingdomshameandloss.Yes,hardandterriblethetoilOfhimwhostepsonforeignsoil,Resolvedtoplantthegospelvine,Wheretyrantsruleandslavesrepine;EagertoliftReligion'slightWherethickestshadesofmentalnightScreenthefalsegodandfiendishrite;Recklessthatmissionaryblood,Shedinwildwildernessandwood,Hasleft,upontheunblestair,Theman'sdeepmoan--themartyr'sprayer.Iknowmylot--IonlyaskPowertofulfiltheglorioustask;Willingthespirit,maythefleshStrengthforthedayreceiveafresh.MayburningsunordeadlywindPrevailnoto'eranearnestmind;MaytormentsstrangeordirestdeathNortrampletruth,norbafflefaith.Thoughsuchblood-dropsshouldfallfromme
AsfellinoldGethsemane,Welcometheanguish,soitgaveMorestrengthtowork--moreskilltosave.And,oh!ifbriefmustbemytime,IfhostilehandorfatalclimeCutshortmycourse--stillo'ermygrave,Lord,maythyharvestwhiteningwave.SoItheculturemaybegin,Letothersthrustthesicklein;Ifbuttheseedwillfastergrow,MaymybloodwaterwhatIsow!
What!haveIevertremblingstood,
AndfearedtogivetoGodthatblood?What!hasthecowardloveoflifeMademeshrinkfromtherighteousstrife?Havehumanpassions,humanfearsSeveredmefromthosePioneersWhosetaskistomarchfirst,andtracePathsfortheprogressofourrace?Ithasbeenso;butgrantme,Lord,NowtostandsteadfastbyThyword!Protectedbysalvation'shelm,Shieldedbyfaith,withtruthbegirt,TosmilewhentrialsseektowhelmAndstandmidtestingfiresunhurt!
Hurlinghell'sstrongestbulwarksdown,Evenwhenthelastpangthrillsmybreast,Whendeathbestowsthemartyr'scrown,AndcallsmeintoJesus'rest.Thenformyultimatereward--Thenfortheworld-rejoicingword--ThevoicefromFather--Spirit--Son:"ServantofGod,wellhastthoudone!"
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*
POEMSBYELLISBELL,
FAITHANDDESPONDENCY.
"Thewinterwindisloudandwild,Comeclosetome,mydarlingchild;Forsakethybooks,andmatelessplay;And,whilethenightisgatheringgray,We'lltalkitspensivehoursaway;--
"Ierne,roundourshelteredhallNovember'sgustsunheededcall;NotonefaintbreathcanenterhereEnoughtowavemydaughter'shair,AndIamgladtowatchtheblazeGlancefromhereyes,withmimicrays;Tofeelhercheek,sosoftlypressed,
Inhappyquietonmybreast,
"But,yet,eventhistranquillityBringsbitter,restlessthoughtstome;And,intheredfire'scheerfulglow,Ithinkofdeepglens,blockedwithsnow;Idreamofmoor,andmistyhill,Whereeveningclosesdarkandchill;For,lone,amongthemountainscold,LiethosethatIhavelovedofold.Andmyheartaches,inhopelesspain,Exhaustedwithrepiningsvain,ThatIshallgreetthemne'eragain!"
"Father,inearlyinfancy,Whenyouwerefarbeyondthesea,Suchthoughtsweretyrantsoverme!Ioftensat,forhourstogether,Throughthelongnightsofangryweather,Raisedonmypillow,todescryThedimmoonstrugglinginthesky;Or,withstrainedear,tocatchtheshock,Ofrockwithwave,andwavewithrock;SowouldIfearfulvigilkeep,And,allforlistening,neversleep.Butthisworld'slifehasmuchtodread,
Notso,myFather,withthedead.
"Oh!notforthem,shouldwedespair,Thegraveisdrear,buttheyarenotthere;Theirdustismingledwiththesod,TheirhappysoulsaregonetoGod!Youtoldmethis,andyetyousigh,Andmurmurthatyourfriendsmustdie.Ah!mydearfather,tellmewhy?For,ifyourformerwordsweretrue,
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Howuselesswouldsuchsorrowbe;Aswise,tomourntheseedwhichgrewUnnoticedonitsparenttree,Becauseitfellinfertileearth,Andspranguptoagloriousbirth--Struckdeepitsroot,andliftedhighItsgreenboughsinthebreezysky.
"But,I'llnotfear,IwillnotweepForthosewhosebodiesrestinsleep,--Iknowthereisablessedshore,Openingitsportsformeandmine;And,gazingTime'swidewaterso'er,Iwearyforthatlanddivine,Wherewewereborn,whereyouandIShallmeetourdearest,whenwedie;Fromsufferingandcorruptionfree,RestoredintotheDeity."
"Wellhastthouspoken,sweet,trustfulchild!Andwiserthanthysire;Andworldlytempests,ragingwild,Shallstrengthenthydesire--Thyferventhope,throughstormandfoam,
Throughwindandocean'sroar,Toreach,atlast,theeternalhome,Thesteadfast,changelessshore!"
STARS.
Ah!why,becausethedazzlingsunRestoredourEarthtojoy,Haveyoudeparted,everyone,Andleftadesertsky?
Allthroughthenight,yourgloriouseyesWeregazingdowninmine,And,withafullheart'sthankfulsighs,Iblessedthatwatchdivine.
Iwasatpeace,anddrankyourbeamsAstheywerelifetome;Andrevelledinmychangefuldreams,Likepetrelonthesea.
Thoughtfollowedthought,starfollowedstar,Throughboundlessregions,on;
Whileonesweetinfluence,nearandfar,Thrilledthrough,andprovedusone!
WhydidthemorningdawntobreakSogreat,sopure,aspell;Andscorchwithfirethetranquilcheek,Whereyourcoolradiancefell?
Blood-red,herose,and,arrow-straight,Hisfiercebeamsstruckmybrow;
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Thesoulofnaturesprang,elate,Butminesanksadandlow!
Mylidscloseddown,yetthroughtheirveilIsawhim,blazing,still,Andsteepingoldthemistydale,Andflashuponthehill.
Iturnedmetothepillow,then,Tocallbacknight,andseeYourworldsofsolemnlight,again,Throbwithmyheart,andme!
Itwouldnotdo--thepillowglowed,Andglowedbothroofandfloor;Andbirdssangloudlyinthewood,Andfreshwindsshookthedoor;
Thecurtainswaved,thewakenedfliesWeremurmuringroundmyroom,Imprisonedthere,tillIshouldrise,Andgivethemleavetoroam.
Oh,stars,anddreams,andgentlenight;
Oh,nightandstars,return!AndhidemefromthehostilelightThatdoesnotwarm,butburn;
Thatdrainsthebloodofsufferingmen;Drinkstears,insteadofdew;Letmesleepthroughhisblindingreign,Andonlywakewithyou!
THEPHILOSOPHER.
Enoughofthought,philosopher!ToolonghastthoubeendreamingUnlightened,inthischamberdrear,Whilesummer'ssunisbeaming!Space-sweepingsoul,whatsadrefrainConcludesthymusingsonceagain?
"Oh,forthetimewhenIshallsleepWithoutidentity.Andnevercarehowrainmaysteep,Orsnowmaycoverme!Nopromisedheaven,thesewilddesires
Couldall,orhalffulfil;Nothreatenedhell,withquenchlessfires,Subduethisquenchlesswill!"
"SosaidI,andstillsaythesame;Still,tomydeath,willsay--Threegods,withinthislittleframe,Arewarringnight;andday;Heavencouldnotholdthemall,andyetTheyallareheldinme;
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AndmustbeminetillIforgetMypresententity!Oh,forthetime,wheninmybreastTheirstruggleswillbeo'er!Oh,fortheday,whenIshallrest,Andneversuffermore!"
"Isawaspirit,standing,man,Wherethoudoststand--anhourago,Androundhisfeetthreeriversran,Ofequaldepth,andequalflow--Agoldenstream--andonelikeblood;Andonelikesapphireseemedtobe;But,wheretheyjoinedtheirtriplefloodIttumbledinaninkyseaThespiritsenthisdazzlinggazeDownthroughthatocean'sgloomynight;Then,kindlingall,withsuddenblaze,Thegladdeepsparkledwideandbright--Whiteasthesun,far,farmorefairThanitsdividedsourceswere!"
"Andevenforthatspirit,seer,I'vewatchedandsoughtmylife-timelong;
Soughthiminheaven,hell,earth,andair,Anendlesssearch,andalwayswrong.HadIbutseenhisgloriouseyeONCElightthecloudsthatwilderme;Ine'erhadraisedthiscowardcryToceasetothink,andceasetobe;
Ine'erhadcalledoblivionblest,Norstretchingeagerhandstodeath,ImploredtochangeforsenselessrestThissentientsoul,thislivingbreath--Oh,letmedie--thatpowerandwillTheircruelstrifemayclose;
Andconqueredgood,andconqueringillBelostinonerepose!"
REMEMBRANCE.
Coldintheearth--andthedeepsnowpiledabovethee,Far,far,removed,coldinthedrearygrave!HaveIforgot,myonlyLove,tolovethee,SeveredatlastbyTime'sall-severingwave?
Now,whenalone,domythoughtsnolongerhoverOverthemountains,onthatnorthernshore,Restingtheirwingswhereheathandfern-leavescoverThynobleheartforever,evermore?
Coldintheearth--andfifteenwildDecembers,Fromthosebrownhills,havemeltedintospring:Faithful,indeed,isthespiritthatremembersAftersuchyearsofchangeandsuffering!
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SweetLoveofyouth,forgive,ifIforgetthee,Whiletheworld'stideisbearingmealong;Otherdesiresandotherhopesbesetme,Hopeswhichobscure,butcannotdotheewrong!
Nolaterlighthaslightenedupmyheaven,Nosecondmornhasevershoneforme;Allmylife'sblissfromthydearlifewasgiven,Allmylife'sblissisinthegravewiththee.
But,whenthedaysofgoldendreamshadperished,AndevenDespairwaspowerlesstodestroy;ThendidIlearnhowexistencecouldbecherished,Strengthened,andfedwithouttheaidofjoy.
ThendidIcheckthetearsofuselesspassion--Weanedmyyoungsoulfromyearningafterthine;SternlydenieditsburningwishtohastenDowntothattombalreadymorethanmine.
And,evenyet,Idarenotletitlanguish,Darenotindulgeinmemory'srapturouspain;Oncedrinkingdeepofthatdivinestanguish,HowcouldIseektheemptyworldagain?
ADEATH-SCENE.
"Oday!hecannotdieWhenthousofairartshining!OSun,insuchaglorioussky,Sotranquillydeclining;
Hecannotleavetheenow,Whilefreshwestwindsareblowing,
AndallaroundhisyouthfulbrowThycheerfullightisglowing!
Edward,awake,awake--ThegoldeneveninggleamsWarmandbrightonArden'slake--Arousetheefromthydreams!
Besidethee,onmyknee,Mydearestfriend,IprayThatthou,tocrosstheeternalsea,Wouldstyetonehourdelay:
Ihearitsbillowsroar--Iseethemfoaminghigh;ButnoglimpseofafurthershoreHasblestmystrainingeye.
BelievenotwhattheyurgeOfEdenislesbeyond;Turnback,fromthattempestuoussurge,Tothyownnativeland.
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Itisnotdeath,butpainThatstrugglesinthybreast--Nay,rally,Edward,rouseagain;Icannotlettheerest!"
Onelonglook,thatsorereprovedmeForthewoeIcouldnotbear--OnemutelookofsufferingmovedmeTorepentmyuselessprayer:
And,withsuddencheck,theheavingOfdistractionpassedaway;NotasignoffurthergrievingStirredmysoulthatawfulday.
Paled,atlength,thesweetsunsetting;Sunktopeacethetwilightbreeze:Summerdewsfellsoftly,wettingGlen,andglade,andsilenttrees.
Thenhiseyesbegantoweary,Weighedbeneathamortalsleep;Andtheirorbsgrewstrangelydreary,Clouded,evenastheywouldweep.
Buttheyweptnot,buttheychangednot,Nevermoved,andneverclosed;Troubledstill,andstilltheyrangednot--Wanderednot,noryetreposed!
SoIknewthathewasdying--Stooped,andraisedhislanguidhead;Feltnobreath,andheardnosighing,SoIknewthathewasdead.
SONG.
Thelinnetintherockydells,Themoor-larkintheair,ThebeeamongtheheatherbellsThathidemyladyfair:
Thewilddeerbrowseaboveherbreast;Thewildbirdsraisetheirbrood;Andthey,hersmilesoflovecaressed,Havelefthersolitude!
Iween,thatwhenthegrave'sdarkwallDidfirstherformretain,Theythoughttheirheartscouldne'errecallThelightofjoyagain.
TheythoughtthetideofgriefwouldflowUncheckedthroughfutureyears;Butwhereisalltheiranguishnow,Andwherearealltheirtears?
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Well,letthemfightforhonour'sbreath,Orpleasure'sshadepursue--ThedwellerinthelandofdeathIschangedandcarelesstoo.
And,iftheireyesshouldwatchandweepTillsorrow'ssourceweredry,Shewouldnot,inhertranquilsleep,Returnasinglesigh!
Blow,west-wind,bythelonelymound,Andmurmur,summer-streams--ThereisnoneedofothersoundTosoothemylady'sdreams.
ANTICIPATION.
Howbeautifultheearthisstill,Tothee--howfullofhappiness?Howlittlefraughtwithrealill,Orunrealphantomsofdistress!
Howspringcanbringtheeglory,yet,AndsummerwintheetoforgetDecember'ssullentime!Whydostthouholdthetreasurefast,Ofyouth'sdelight,whenyouthispast,Andthouartnearthyprime?
Whenthosewhowerethyowncompeers,Equalsinfortuneandinyears,Haveseentheirmorningmeltintears,Toclouded,smilelessday;Blest,hadtheydieduntriedandyoung,Beforetheirheartswentwanderingwrong,--
Poorslaves,subduedbypassionsstrong,Aweakandhelplessprey!
'Because,Ihopedwhiletheyenjoyed,Andbyfulfilment,hopedestroyed;Aschildrenhope,withtrustfulbreast,Iwaitedbliss--andcherishedrest.Athoughtfulspirittaughtmesoon,Thatwemustlongtilllifebedone;ThateveryphaseofearthlyjoyMustalwaysfade,andalwayscloy:
'ThisIforesaw--andwouldnotchase
Thefleetingtreacheries;But,withfirmfootandtranquilface,Heldbackwardfromthattemptingrace,Gazedo'erthesandsthewavesefface,Totheenduringseas--TherecastmyanchorofdesireDeepinunknowneternity;Noreverletmyspirittire,WithlookingforWHATISTOBE!
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"Itishope'sspellthatglorifies,Likeyouth,tomymaturereyes,AllNature'smillionmysteries,Thefearfulandthefair--HopesoothesmeinthegriefsIknow;Shelullsmypainforothers'woe,AndmakesmestrongtoundergoWhatIamborntobear.
Gladcomforter!willInotbrave,Unawed,thedarknessofthegrave?Nay,smiletohearDeath'sbillowsrave--Sustained,myguide,bythee?Themoreunjustseemspresentfate,Themoremyspiritswellselate,Strong,inthystrength,toanticipateRewardingdestiny!
THEPRISONER.
AFRAGMENT.
Inthedungeon-cryptsidlydidIstray,Recklessoftheliveswastingthereaway;"Drawtheponderousbars!open,Warderstern!"Hedarednotsaymenay--thehingesharshlyturn.
"Ourguestsaredarklylodged,"Iwhisper'd,gazingthroughThevault,whosegratedeyeshowedheavenmoregraythanblue;(ThiswaswhengladSpringlaughedinawakingpride;)"Ay,darklylodgedenough!"returnedmysullenguide.
Then,Godforgivemyyouth;forgivemycarelesstongue;Iscoffed,asthechillchainsonthedampflagstonesrung:
"Confinedintriplewalls,artthousomuchtofear,Thatwemustbindtheedownandclenchthyfettershere?"
Thecaptiveraisedherface;itwasassoftandmildAssculpturedmarblesaint,orslumberingunwean'dchild;Itwassosoftandmild,itwassosweetandfair,Paincouldnottracealine,norgriefashadowthere!
Thecaptiveraisedherhandandpressedittoherbrow;"Ihavebeenstruck,"shesaid,"andIamsufferingnow;Yetthesearelittleworth,yourboltsandironsstrong;And,weretheyforgedinsteel,theycouldnotholdmelong."
Hoarselaughedthejailorgrim:"ShallIbewontohear;Dostthink,fond,dreamingwretch,thatIshallgrantthyprayer?Or,betterstill,wiltmeltmymaster'sheartwithgroans?Ah!soonermightthesunthawdownthesegranitestones.
"Mymaster'svoiceislow,hisaspectblandandkind,Buthardashardestflintthesoulthatlurksbehind;AndIamroughandrude,yetnotmoreroughtoseeThanisthehiddenghostthathasitshomeinme."
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Aboutherlipsthereplayedasmileofalmostscorn,"Myfriend,"shegentlysaid,"youhavenotheardmemourn;Whenyoumykindred'slives,MYlostlife,canrestore,ThenmayIweepandsue,--butnever,friend,before!
"Still,letmytyrantsknow,IamnotdoomedtowearYearafteryearingloom,anddesolatedespair;AmessengerofHopecomeseverynighttome,Andoffersforshortlife,eternalliberty.
"Hecomeswithwesternwinds,withevening'swanderingairs,Withthatclearduskofheaventhatbringsthethickeststars.Windstakeapensivetone,andstarsatenderfire,Andvisionsrise,andchange,thatkillmewithdesire.
"Desirefornothingknowninmymatureryears,WhenJoygrewmadwithawe,atcountingfuturetears.When,ifmyspirit'sskywasfullofflasheswarm,Iknewnotwhencetheycame,fromsunorthunder-storm.
"But,first,ahushofpeace--asoundlesscalmdescends;Thestruggleofdistress,andfierceimpatienceends;Mutemusicsoothesmybreast--unutteredharmony,ThatIcouldneverdream,tillEarthwaslosttome.
"ThendawnstheInvisible;theUnseenitstruthreveals;Myoutwardsenseisgone,myinwardessencefeels:Itswingsarealmostfree--itshome,itsharbourfound,Measuringthegulph,itstoopsanddaresthefinalbound,
"OhIdreadfulisthecheck--intensetheagony--Whentheearbeginstohear,andtheeyebeginstosee;Whenthepulsebeginstothrob,thebraintothinkagain;Thesoultofeeltheflesh,andthefleshtofeelthechain.
"YetIwouldlosenosting,wouldwishnotortureless;Themorethatanguishracks,theearlieritwillbless;
Androbedinfiresofhell,orbrightwithheavenlyshine,Ifitbutheralddeath,thevisionisdivine!"
Sheceasedtospeak,andwe,unanswering,turnedtogo--Wehadnofurtherpowertoworkthecaptivewoe:Hercheek,hergleamingeye,declaredthatmanhadgivenAsentence,unapproved,andoverruledbyHeaven.
HOPE.
HopeWasbutatimidfriend;Shesatwithoutthegratedden,Watchinghowmyfatewouldtend,Evenasselfish-heartedmen.
Shewascruelinherfear;Throughthebarsonedrearyday,Ilookedouttoseeherthere,Andsheturnedherfaceaway!
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Likeafalseguard,falsewatchkeeping,Still,instrife,shewhisperedpeace;ShewouldsingwhileIwasweeping;IfIlistened,shewouldcease.
Falseshewas,andunrelenting;Whenmylastjoysstrewedtheground,EvenSorrowsaw,repenting,Thosesadrelicsscatteredround;
Hope,whosewhisperwouldhavegivenBalmtoallmyfrenziedpain,Stretchedherwings,andsoaredtoheaven,Went,andne'erreturnedagain!
ADAYDREAM.
OnasunnybraealoneIlayOnesummerafternoon;Itwasthemarriage-timeofMay,Withheryounglover,June.
Fromhermother'sheartseemedloathtopartThatqueenofbridalcharms,ButherfathersmiledonthefairestchildHeeverheldinhisarms.
Thetreesdidwavetheirplumycrests,Thegladbirdscarolledclear;AndI,ofalltheweddingguests,Wasonlysullenthere!
Therewasnotone,butwishedtoshunMyaspectvoidofcheer;
Theverygrayrocks,lookingon,Asked,"Whatdoyouhere?"
AndIcouldutternoreply;Insooth,IdidnotknowWhyIhadbroughtacloudedeyeTogreetthegeneralglow.
So,restingonaheathybank,Itookmyhearttome;AndwetogethersadlysankIntoareverie.
Wethought,"Whenwintercomesagain,Wherewillthesebrightthingsbe?Allvanished,likeavisionvain,Anunrealmockery!
"Thebirdsthatnowsoblithelysing,Throughdeserts,frozendry,Poorspectresoftheperishedspring,Infamishedtroopswillfly.
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"Andwhyshouldwebegladatall?Theleafishardlygreen,BeforeatokenofitsfallIsonthesurfaceseen!"
Now,whetheritwerereallyso,Inevercouldbesure;Butasinfitofpeevishwoe,Istretchedmeonthemoor,
AthousandthousandgleamingfiresSeemedkindlingintheair;AthousandthousandsilverylyresResoundedfarandnear:
Methought,theverybreathIbreathedWasfullofsparksdivine,Andallmyheather-couchwaswreathedBythatcelestialshine!
And,whilethewideearthechoingrungTothatstrangeminstrelsyThelittleglitteringspiritssung,Orseemedtosing,tome:
"Omortal!mortal!letthemdie;Lettimeandtearsdestroy,ThatwemayoverflowtheskyWithuniversaljoy!
"Letgriefdistractthesufferer'sbreast,Andnightobscurehisway;Theyhastenhimtoendlessrest,Andeverlastingday.
"Totheetheworldislikeatomb,Adesert'snakedshore;
Tous,inunimaginedbloom,Itbrightensmoreandmore!
"And,couldwelifttheveil,andgiveOnebriefglimpsetothineeye,Thouwouldstrejoiceforthosethatlive,BECAUSEtheylivetodie."
Themusicceased;thenoondaydream,Likedreamofnight,withdrew;ButFancy,still,willsometimesdeemHerfondcreationtrue.
TOIMAGINATION.
Whenwearywiththelongday'scare,Andearthlychangefrompaintopain,Andlost,andreadytodespair,Thykindvoicecallsmebackagain:Oh,mytruefriend!Iamnotlone,
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Whilethencanstspeakwithsuchatone!
Sohopelessistheworldwithout;TheworldwithinIdoublyprize;Thyworld,whereguile,andhate,anddoubt,Andcoldsuspicionneverrise;Wherethou,andI,andLiberty,Haveundisputedsovereignty.
Whatmattersit,thatallaroundDanger,andguilt,anddarknesslie,Ifbutwithinourbosom'sboundWeholdabright,untroubledsky,WarmwithtenthousandmingledraysOfsunsthatknownowinterdays?
Reason,indeed,mayoftcomplainForNature'ssadreality,AndtellthesufferinghearthowvainItscherisheddreamsmustalwaysbe;AndTruthmayrudelytrampledownTheflowersofFancy,newly-blown:
Butthouarteverthere,tobring
Thehoveringvisionback,andbreatheNewglorieso'ertheblightedspring,AndcallalovelierLifefromDeath.Andwhisper,withavoicedivine,Ofrealworlds,asbrightasthine.
Itrustnottothyphantombliss,Yet,still,inevening'squiethour,Withnever-failingthankfulness,Iwelcomethee,BenignantPower;Suresolacerofhumancares,Andsweeterhope,whenhopedespairs!
HOWCLEARSHESHINES.
Howclearsheshines!HowquietlyIliebeneathherguardianlight;Whileheavenandeartharewhisperingme,"Tomorrow,wake,butdreamto-night."Yes,Fancy,come,myFairylove!Thesethrobbingtemplessoftlykiss;Andbendmylonelycouchabove,Andbringmerest,andbringmebliss.
Theworldisgoing;darkworld,adieu!Grimworld,concealtheetilltheday;TheheartthoucanstnotallsubdueMuststillresist,ifthoudelay!
ThyloveIwillnot,willnotshare;Thyhatredonlywakesasmile;Thygriefsmaywound--thywrongsmaytear,But,oh,thyliesshallne'erbeguile!
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WhilegazingonthestarsthatglowAboveme,inthatstormlesssea,IlongtohopethatallthewoeCreationknows,isheldinthee!
Andthisshallbemydreamto-night;I'llthinktheheavenofgloriousspheresIsrollingonitscourseoflightInendlessbliss,throughendlessyears;I'llthink,there'snotoneworldabove,Farasthesestrainingeyescansee,WhereWisdomeverlaughedatLove,OrVirtuecrouchedtoInfamy;
Where,writhing'neaththestrokesofFate,Themangledwretchwasforcedtosmile;Tomatchhispatience'gainstherhate,Hisheartrebelliousallthewhile.WherePleasurestillwillleadtowrong,AndhelplessReasonwarninvain;AndTruthisweak,andTreacherystrong;AndJoythesurestpathtoPain;AndPeace,thelethargyofGrief;AndHope,aphantomofthesoul;
Andlife,alabour,voidandbrief;AndDeath,thedespotofthewhole!
SYMPATHY.
ThereshouldbenodespairforyouWhilenightlystarsareburning;Whileeveningpoursitssilentdew,Andsunshinegildsthemorning.Thereshouldbenodespair--thoughtears
Mayflowdownlikeariver:ArenotthebestbelovedofyearsAroundyourheartforever?
Theyweep,youweep,itmustbeso;Windssighasyouaresighing,AndwintershedsitsgriefinsnowWhereAutumn'sleavesarelying:Yet,theserevive,andfromtheirfateYourfatecannotbeparted:Then,journeyon,ifnotelate,Still,NEVERbroken-hearted!
PLEADFORME.
Oh,thybrighteyesmustanswernow,WhenReason,withascornfulbrow,Ismockingatmyoverthrow!Oh,thysweettonguemustpleadformeAndtellwhyIhavechosenthee!
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SternReasonistojudgmentcome,Arrayedinallherformsofgloom:Wiltthou,myadvocate,bedumb?No,radiantangel,speakandsay,WhyIdidcasttheworldaway.
WhyIhaveperseveredtoshunThecommonpathsthatothersrun;Andonastrangeroadjourneyedon,Heedless,alikeofwealthandpower--Ofglory'swreathandpleasure'sflower.
These,once,indeed,seemedBeingsDivine;Andthey,perchance,heardvowsofmine,Andsawmyofferingsontheirshrine;Butcarelessgiftsareseldomprized,AndMINEwereworthilydespised.
So,withareadyheart,IsworeToseektheiraltar-stonenomore;AndgavemyspirittoadoreThee,ever-present,phantomthing--Myslave,mycomrade,andmyking.
Aslave,becauseIruletheestill;Inclinetheetomychangefulwill,Andmakethyinfluencegoodorill:Acomrade,forbydayandnightThouartmyintimatedelight,--
Mydarlingpainthatwoundsandsears,AndwringsablessingoutfromtearsBydeadeningmetoearthlycares;Andyet,aking,thoughPrudencewellHavetaughtthysubjecttorebel
AndamIwrongtoworshipwhereFaithcannotdoubt,norhopedespair,Sincemyownsoulcangrantmyprayer?Speak,Godofvisions,pleadforme,AndtellwhyIhavechosenthee!
SELF-INTEROGATION,
"Theeveningpassesfastaway.'Tisalmosttimetorest;
Whatthoughtshasleftthevanishedday,Whatfeelingsinthybreast?
"Thevanishedday?ItleavesasenseOflabourhardlydone;Oflittlegainedwithvastexpense--Asenseofgriefalone?
"TimestandsbeforethedoorofDeath,Upbraidingbitterly
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AndConscience,withexhaustlessbreath,Poursblackreproachonme:
"AndthoughI'vesaidthatConscienceliesAndTimeshouldFatecondemn;Still,sadRepentancecloudsmyeyes,Andmakesmeyieldtothem!
"Thenartthougladtoseekrepose?Artgladtoleavethesea,AndanchorallthywearywoesIncalmEternity?
"Nothingregretstoseetheego--Notonevoicesobs'farewell;'Andwherethyhearthassufferedso,Canstthoudesiretodwell?"
"Alas!thecountlesslinksarestrongThatbindustoourclay;Thelovingspiritlingerslong,Andwouldnotpassaway!
"Andrestissweet,whenlaurelledfame
Willcrownthesoldier'screst;Butabraveheart,withatarnishedname,Wouldratherfightthanrest.
"Well,thouhastfoughtformanyayear,Hastfoughtthywholelifethrough,HasthumbledFalsehood,trampledFear;Whatistherelefttodo?
"'Tistrue,thisarmhashotlystriven,Hasdaredwhatfewwoulddare;MuchhaveIdone,andfreelygiven,Butlittlelearnttobear!
"LookonthegravewherethoumustsleepThylast,andstrongestfoe;Itisendurancenottoweep,Ifthatreposeseemwoe.
"Thelongwarclosingindefeat--Defeatserenelyborne,--Thymidnightrestmaystillbesweet,Andbreakingloriousmorn!"
DEATH.
Death!thatstruckwhenIwasmostconfiding.Inmycertainfaithofjoytobe--Strikeagain,Time'switheredbranchdividingFromthefreshrootofEternity!
Leaves,uponTime'sbranch,weregrowingbrightly,Fullofsap,andfullofsilverdew;
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Birdsbeneathitssheltergatherednightly;Dailyrounditsflowersthewildbeesflew.
Sorrowpassed,andpluckedthegoldenblossom;GuiltstrippedoffthefoliageinitsprideBut,withinitsparent'skindlybosom,FlowedforeverLife'srestoringtide.
LittlemournedIforthepartedgladness,Forthevacantnestandsilentsong--Hopewasthere,andlaughedmeoutofsadness;Whispering,"Winterwillnotlingerlong!"
And,behold!withtenfoldincreaseblessing,Springadornedthebeauty-burdenedspray;Windandrainandferventheat,caressing,LavishedgloryonthatsecondMay!
Highitrose--nowingedgriefcouldsweepit;Sinwasscaredtodistancewithitsshine;Love,anditsownlife,hadpowertokeepitFromallwrong--fromeveryblightbutthine!
CruelDeath!Theyoungleavesdroopandlanguish;
Evening'sgentleairmaystillrestore--No!themorningsunshinemocksmyanguish-Time,forme,mustneverblossommore!
Strikeitdown,thatotherboughsmayflourishWherethatperishedsaplingusedtobe;Thus,atleast,itsmoulderingcorpsewillnourishThatfromwhichitsprung--Eternity.
STANZASTO----
Well,somemayhate,andsomemayscorn,Andsomemayquiteforgetthyname;ButmysadheartmustevermournThyruinedhopes,thyblightedfame!'TwasthusIthought,anhourago,Evenweepingo'erthatwretch'swoe;Onewordturnedbackmygushingtears,Andlitmyalteredeyewithsneers.Then"Blessthefriendlydust,"Isaid,"Thathidesthyunlamentedhead!Vainasthouwert,andweakasvain,TheslaveofFalsehood,Pride,andPain--
Myhearthasnoughtakintothine;Thysoulispowerlessovermine."Butthesewerethoughtsthatvanishedtoo;Unwise,unholy,anduntrue:DoIdespisethetimiddeer,Becausehislimbsarefleetwithfear?Or,wouldImockthewolf'sdeath-howl,Becausehisformisgauntandfoul?Or,hearwithjoytheleveret'scry,Becauseitcannotbravelydie?
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No!ThenabovehismemoryLetPity'sheartastenderbe;Say,"Earth,lielightlyonthatbreast,And,kindHeaven,grantthatspiritrest!"
HONOUR'SMARTYR.
Themoonisfullthiswinternight;Thestarsareclear,thoughfew;AndeverywindowglistensbrightWithleavesoffrozendew.
Thesweetmoonthroughyourlatticegleams,Andlightsyourroomlikeday;Andthereyoupass,inhappydreams,Thepeacefulhoursaway!
WhileI,withefforthardlyquellingTheanguishinmybreast,Wanderaboutthesilentdwelling,Andcannotthinkofrest.
TheoldclockinthegloomyhallTickson,fromhourtohour;AndeverytimeitsmeasuredcallSeemslingeringslowandslower:
And,oh,howslowthatkeen-eyedstarHastrackedthechillygray!What,watchingyet!howveryfarThemorningliesaway!
WithoutyourchamberdoorIstand;Love,areyouslumberingstill?
Mycoldheart,underneathmyhand,Hasalmostceasedtothrill.
Bleak,bleaktheeastwindsobsandsighs,Anddrownstheturretbell,Whosesadnote,undistinguished,diesUnheard,likemyfarewell!
To-morrow,Scornwillblightmyname,AndHatewilltrampleme,Willloadmewithacoward'sshame--Atraitor'sperjury.
Falsefriendswilllaunchtheircovertsneers;Truefriendswillwishmedead;AndIshallcausethebitteresttearsThatyouhaveevershed.
ThedarkdeedsofmyoutlawedraceWillthenlikevirtuesshine;Andmenwillpardontheirdisgrace,Besidetheguiltofmine.
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For,whoforgivestheaccursedcrimeOfdastardtreachery?Rebellion,initschosentime,MayFreedom'schampionbe;
Revengemaystainarighteoussword,Itmaybejusttoslay;But,traitor,traitor,--fromTHATwordAlltruebreastsshrinkaway!
Oh,Iwouldgivemyhearttodeath,Tokeepmyhonourfair;Yet,I'llnotgivemyinwardfaithMyhonour'sNAMEtospare!
Noteventokeepyourpricelesslove,DareI,Beloved,deceive;Thistreasonshouldthefutureprove,Then,onlythen,believe!
IknowthepathIoughttogoIfollowfearlessly,InquiringnotwhatdeeperwoeSterndutystoresforme.
Sofoespursue,andcoldalliesMistrustme,everyone:Letmebefalseinothers'eyes,Iffaithfulinmyown.
STANZAS.
I'llnotweepthatthouartgoingtoleaveme,There'snothinglovelyhere;
Anddoublywillthedarkworldgrieveme,Whilethyheartsuffersthere.
I'llnotweep,becausethesummer'sgloryMustalwaysendingloom;And,followoutthehappieststory--Itcloseswithatomb!
AndIamwearyoftheanguishIncreasingwintersbear;WearytowatchthespiritlanguishThroughyearsofdeaddespair.
So,ifatear,whenthouartdying,Shouldhaplyfallfromme,Itisbutthatmysoulissighing,Togoandrestwiththee.
MYCOMFORTER.
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Wellhastthouspoken,andyetnottaughtAfeelingstrangeornew;Thouhastbutrousedalatentthought,Acloud-closedbeamofsunshinebroughtTogleaminopenview.
Deepdown,concealedwithinmysoul,Thatlightlieshidfrommen;Yetglowsunquenched--thoughshadowsroll,Itsgentleraycannotcontrol--Aboutthesullenden.
WasInotvexed,inthesegloomywaysTowalkalonesolong?Aroundme,wretchesutteringpraise,Orhowlingo'ertheirhopelessdays,AndeachwithFrenzy'stongue;-
Abrotherhoodofmisery,Theirsmilesassadassighs;Whosemadnessdailymaddenedme,DistortingintoagonyTheblissbeforemyeyes!
SostoodI,inHeaven'sglorioussun,AndintheglareofHell;Myspiritdrankamingledtone,Ofseraph'ssong,anddemon'smoan;Whatmysoulbore,mysoulaloneWithinitselfmaytell!
Likeasoft,airaboveasea,Tossedbythetempest'sstir;Athaw-wind,meltingquietlyThesnow-driftonsomewintrylea;No:whatsweetthingresemblesthee,MythoughtfulComforter?
Andyetalittlelongerspeak,Calmthisresentfulmood;Andwhilethesavageheartgrowsmeek,Forothertokendonotseek,ButletthetearuponmycheekEvincemygratitude!
THEOLDSTOIC.
RichesIholdinlightesteem,AndLoveIlaughtoscorn;Andlustoffamewasbutadream,Thatvanishedwiththemorn:
AndifIpray,theonlyprayerThatmovesmylipsformeIs,"LeavetheheartthatnowIbear,Andgivemeliberty!"
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Yes,asmyswiftdaysneartheirgoal:'TisallthatIimplore;Inlifeanddeathachainlesssoul,Withcouragetoendure.
*
POEMSBYACTONBELL,
AREMINISCENCE.
Yes,thouartgone!andnevermoreThysunnysmileshallgladdenme;ButImaypasstheoldchurchdoor,Andpacethefloorthatcoversthee,
Maystanduponthecold,dampstone,Andthinkthat,frozen,liesbelow
ThelightestheartthatIhaveknown,ThekindestIshalleverknow.
Yet,thoughIcannotseetheemore,'Tisstillacomforttohaveseen;Andthoughthytransientlifeiso'er,'Tissweettothinkthatthouhastbeen;
Tothinkasoulsoneardivine,Withinaformsoangelfair,Unitedtoaheartlikethine,Hasgladdenedonceourhumblesphere.
THEARBOUR.
I'llrestmeinthisshelteredbower,AndlookupontheclearblueskyThatsmilesuponmethroughthetrees,Whichstandsothickclusteringby;
Andviewtheirgreenandglossyleaves,Allglisteninginthesunshinefair;Andlisttherustlingoftheirboughs,
Sosoftlywhisperingthroughtheair.
Andwhilemyeardrinksinthesound,Mywingedsoulshallflyaway;ReviewinglonedepartedyearsAsonemild,beaming,autumnday;
Andsoaringontofuturescenes,Likehillsandwoods,andvalleysgreen,Allbaskinginthesummer'ssun,
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Butdistantstill,anddimlyseen.
Oh,list!'tissummer'sverybreathThatgentlyshakestherustlingtrees--Butlook!thesnowisontheground--HowcanIthinkofsceneslikethese?
'TisbuttheFROSTthatclearstheair,Andgivestheskythatlovelyblue;They'resmilinginaWINTER'Ssun,Thoseevergreensofsombrehue.
Andwinter'schillisonmyheart--HowcanIdreamoffuturebliss?Howcanmyspiritsoaraway,Confinedbysuchachainasthis?
HOME.
HowbrightlyglisteninginthesunThewoodlandivyplays!
WhileyonderbeechesfromtheirbarksReflecthissilverrays.
ThatsunsurveysalovelysceneFromsoftlysmilingskies;AndwildlythroughunnumberedtreesThewindofwintersighs:
Nowloud,itthunderso'ermyhead,Andnowindistancedies.ButgivemebackmybarrenhillsWherecolderbreezesrise;
Wherescarcethescattered,stuntedtreesCanyieldanansweringswell,ButwhereawildernessofheathReturnsthesoundaswell.
Foryondergarden,fairandwide,Withgrovesofevergreen,Longwindingwalks,andborderstrim,Andvelvetlawnsbetween;
Restoretomethatlittlespot,Withgraywallscompassedround,Whereknottedgrassneglectedlies,
Andweedsusurptheground.
ThoughallaroundthismansionhighInvitesthefoottoroam,Andthoughitshallsarefairwithin--Oh,givemebackmyHOME!
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VANITASVANITATUM,OMNIAVANITAS.
Inallwedo,andhear,andsee,IsrestlessToilandVanity.Whileyettherollingearthabides,Mencomeandgolikeoceantides;
Andereonegenerationdies,Anotherinitsplaceshallrise;THAT,sinkingsoonintothegrave,Otherssucceed,likewaveonwave;
Andastheyrise,theypassaway.Thesunariseseveryday,AndhasteningonwardtotheWest,Henightlysinks,butnottorest:
Returningtotheeasternskies,Againtolightus,hemustrise.Andstilltherestlesswindcomesforth,NowblowingkeenlyfromtheNorth;
NowfromtheSouth,theEast,theWest,Foreverchanging,ne'eratrest.
Thefountains,gushingfromthehills,Supplytheever-runningrills;
Thethirstyriversdrinktheirstore,Andbearitrollingtotheshore,Butstilltheoceancravesformore.'Tisendlesslaboureverywhere!Soundcannotsatisfytheear,
Lightcannotfillthecravingeye,Norricheshalfourwantssupply,Pleasurebutdoublesfuturepain,Andjoybringssorrowinhertrain;
Laughterismad,andrecklessmirth--Whatdoessheinthiswearyearth?ShouldWealth,orFame,ourLifeemploy,Deathcomes,ourlabourtodestroy;
Tosnatchtheuntastedcupaway,Forwhichwetoiledsomanyaday.What,then,remainsforwretchedman?Touselife'scomfortswhilehecan,
EnjoytheblessingsHeavenbestows,Assisthisfriends,forgivehisfoes;
TrustGod,andkeepHisstatutesstill,Uprightandfirm,throughgoodandill;
ThankfulforallthatGodhasgiven,FixinghisfirmesthopesonHeaven;Knowingthatearthlyjoysdecay,Buthopingthroughthedarkestday.
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THEPENITENT.
Imournwiththee,andyetrejoiceThatthoushouldstsorrowso;WithangelchoirsIjoinmyvoiceToblessthesinner'swoe.
Thoughfriendsandkindredturnaway,Andlaughthygrieftoscorn;IhearthegreatRedeemersay,"Blessedareyethatmourn."
Holdonthycourse,nordeemitstrangeThatearthlycordsareriven:Manmaylamentthewondrouschange,But"thereisjoyinheaven!"
MUSICONCHRISTMASMORNING.
MusicIlove--butneverstrain
Couldkindlerapturessodivine,Sogriefassuage,soconquerpain,Androusethispensiveheartofmine--AsthatwehearonChristmasmorn,Uponthewintrybreezesborne.
ThoughDarknessstillherempirekeep,Andhoursmustpass,eremorningbreak;Fromtroubleddreams,orslumbersdeep,ThatmusicKINDLYbidsuswake:Itcallsus,withanangel'svoice,Towake,andworship,andrejoice;
Togreetwithjoythegloriousmorn,Whichangelswelcomedlongago,WhenourredeemingLordwasborn,TobringthelightofHeavenbelow;ThePowersofDarknesstodispel,AndrescueEarthfromDeathandHell.
Whilelisteningtothatsacredstrain,Myrapturedspiritsoarsonhigh;IseemtohearthosesongsagainResoundingthroughtheopensky,Thatkindledsuchdivinedelight,Inthosewhowatchedtheirflocksbynight.
WiththemIcelebrateHisbirth--GlorytoGod,inhighestHeaven,Good-willtomen,andpeaceonearth,TousaSaviour-kingisgiven;OurGodiscometoclaimHisown,AndSatan'spowerisoverthrown!
AsinlessGod,forsinfulmen,Descendstosufferandtobleed;
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HellMUSTrenounceitsempirethen;Thepriceispaid,theworldisfreed,AndSatan'sselfmustnowconfessThatChristhasearnedaRIGHTtobless:
NowholyPeacemaysmilefromheaven,AndheavenlyTruthfromearthshallspring:Thecaptive'sgallingbondsareriven,ForourRedeemerisourking;AndHethatgavehisbloodformenWillleadushometoGodagain.
STANZAS.
Oh,weepnot,love!eachtearthatspringsInthosedeareyesofthine,TomeakeenersufferingbringsThaniftheyflowedfrommine.
Anddonotdroop!howeverdrearThefateawaitingthee;
ForMYsakecombatpainandcare,Andcherishlifeforme!
Idonotfearthylovewillfail;Thyfaithistrue,Iknow;But,oh,mylove!thystrengthisfrailForsuchalifeofwoe.
Were'tnotforthis,Iwellcouldtrace(Thoughbanishedlongfromthee)Life'sruggedpath,andboldlyfaceThestormsthatthreatenme.
Fearnotforme--I'vesteeledmymindSorrowandstrifetogreet;JoywithmyloveIleavebehind,CarewithmyfriendsImeet.
Amother'ssadreproachfuleye,Afather'sscowlingbrow--Buthemayfrownandshemaysigh:Iwillnotbreakmyvow!
Ilovemymother,IrevereMysire,butfearnotme--BelievethatDeathalonecantear
Thisfaithfulheartfromthee.
IFTHISBEALL.
OGod!ifthisindeedbeallThatLifecanshowtome;Ifonmyachingbrowmayfall
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NofresheningdewfromThee;
IfwithnobrighterlightthanthisThelampofhopemayglow,AndImayonlydreamofbliss,Andwaketowearywoe;
Iffriendship'ssolacemustdecay,Whenotherjoysaregone,Andlovemustkeepsofaraway,WhileIgowanderingon,--
Wanderingandtoilingwithoutgain,Theslaveofothers'will,Withconstantcare,andfrequentpain,Despised,forgottenstill;
Grievingtolookonviceandsin,YetpowerlesstoquellThesilentcurrentfromwithin,Theoutwardtorrent'sswell
WhileallthegoodIwouldimpart,ThefeelingsIwouldshare,
Aredrivenbackwardtomyheart,Andturnedtowormwoodthere;
IfcloudsmustEVERkeepfromsightThegloriesoftheSun,AndImustsufferWinter'sblight,EreSummerisbegun;
IfLifemustbesofullofcare,Thencallmesoontothee;OrgivemestrengthenoughtobearMyloadofmisery.
MEMORY.
BrightlythesunofsummershoneGreenfieldsandwavingwoodsupon,Andsoftwindswanderedby;Above,askyofpurestblue,Around,brightflowersofloveliesthue,Alluredthegazer'seye.
Butwhatwereallthesecharmstome,
WhenonesweetbreathofmemoryCamegentlywaftingby?Iclosedmyeyesagainsttheday,Andcalledmywillingsoulaway,Fromearth,andair,andsky;
ThatImightsimplyfancythereOnelittleflower--aprimrosefair,Justopeningintosight;Asinthedaysofinfancy,
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AnopeningprimroseseemedtomeAsourceofstrangedelight.
SweetMemory!eversmileonme;Nature'schiefbeautiesspringfromthee;Oh,stillthytributebringStillmakethegoldencrocusshineAmongtheflowersthemostdivine,Thegloryofthespring.
Stillinthewallflower'sfragrancedwell;Andhoverroundtheslightbluebell,Mychildhood'sdarlingflower.Smileonthelittledaisystill,Thebuttercup'sbrightgobletfillWithallthyformerpower.
ForeverhangthydreamyspellRoundmountainstarandheatherbell,AnddonotpassawayFromsparklingfrost,orwreathedsnow,Andwhisperwhenthewildwindsblow,Orripplingwatersplay.
Ischildhood,then,soalldivine?OrMemory,istheglorythine,Thathaloesthusthepast?NotALLdivine;itspangsofgrief(Although,perchance,theirstaybebrief)Arebitterwhiletheylast.
Noristhegloryallthineown,ForonourearliestjoysaloneThatholylightiscast.Withsucharay,nospellofthineCanmakeourlaterpleasuresshine,Thoughlongagotheypassed.
TOCOWPER.
Sweetarethystrains,celestialBard;Andoft,inchildhood'syears,I'vereadthemo'erando'eragain,Withfloodsofsilenttears.
ThelanguageofmyinmostheartItracedineveryline;
MYsins,MYsorrows,hopes,andfears,Werethere-andonlymine.
Allformyselfthesighwouldswell,Thetearofanguishstart;IlittleknewwhatwilderwoeHadfilledthePoet'sheart.
Ididnotknowthenightsofgloom,Thedaysofmisery;
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Thelong,longyearsofdarkdespair,Thatcrushedandtorturedthee.
Buttheyaregone;fromearthatlengthThygentlesoulispass'd,AndinthebosomofitsGodHasfounditshomeatlast.
Itmustbeso,ifGodislove,Andanswersferventprayer;Thensurelythoushaltdwellonhigh,AndImaymeettheethere.
IsHethesourceofeverygood,Thespringofpurity?Theninthinehoursofdeepestwoe,ThyGodwasstillwiththee.
Howelse,wheneveryhopewasfled,CouldstthousofondlyclingToholythingsandhelpmen?Andhowsosweetlysing,
OfthingsthatGodalonecouldteach?
Andwhencethatpurity,Thathatredofallsinfulways--Thatgentlecharity?
AreTHESEthesymptomsofaheartOfheavenlygracebereft--ForeverbanishedfromitsGod,ToSatan'sfuryleft?
Yet,shouldthydarkestfearsbetrue,IfHeavenbesosevere,Thatsuchasoulasthineislost,--Oh!howshallIappear?
THEDOUBTER'SPRAYER.
EternalPower,ofearthandair!Unseen,yetseeninallaround,Remote,butdwellingeverywhere,Thoughsilent,heardineverysound;
Ife'erthineearinmercybent,WhenwretchedmortalscriedtoThee,Andif,indeed,ThySonwassent,
Tosavelostsinnerssuchasme:
Thenhearmenow,whilekneelinghere,Ilifttotheemyheartandeye,Andallmysoulascendsinprayer,OH,GIVEME--GIVEMEFAITH!Icry.
Withoutsomeglimmeringinmyheart,Icouldnotraisethisferventprayer;But,oh!astrongerlightimpart,
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AndinThymercyfixitthere.
WhileFaithiswithme,Iamblest;Itturnsmydarkestnighttoday;ButwhileIclaspittomybreast,Ioftenfeelitslideaway.
Then,coldanddark,myspiritsinks,Toseemylightoflifedepart;AndeveryfiendofHell,methinks,Enjoystheanguishofmyheart.
WhatshallIdo,ifallmylove,Myhopes,mytoil,arecastaway,AndiftherebenoGodabove,TohearandblessmewhenIpray?
Ifthisbevaindelusionall,Ifdeathbeaneternalsleep,Andnonecanhearmysecretcall,OrseethesilenttearsIweep!
Oh,helpme,God!ForthoualoneCanstmydistractedsoulrelieve;
Forsakeitnot:itisthineown,Thoughweak,yetlongingtobelieve.
Oh,drivethesecrueldoubtsaway;Andmakemeknow,thatThouartGod!Afaith,thatshinesbynightandday,Willlighteneveryearthlyload.
IfIbelievethatJesusdied,Andwaking,rosetoreignabove;ThensurelySorrow,Sin,andPride,MustyieldtoPeace,andHope,andLove.
AndalltheblessedwordsHesaidWillstrengthandholyjoyimpart:Ashieldofsafetyo'ermyhead,Aspringofcomfortinmyheart.
AWORDTOTHE"ELECT."
YoumayrejoicetothinkYOURSELVESsecure;Youmaybegratefulforthegiftdivine--Thatgraceunsought,whichmadeyourblackheartspure,
Andfitsyourearth-bornsoulsinHeaventoshine.
But,isitsweettolookaround,andviewThousandsexcludedfromthathappinessWhichtheydeserved,atleast,asmuchasyou.--Theirfaultsnotgreater,northeirvirtuesless?
AndwhereforeshouldyouloveyourGodthemore,Becausetoyoualonehissmilesaregiven;BecauseHechosetopasstheMANYo'er,
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AndonlybringthefavouredFEWtoHeaven?
And,whereforeshouldyourheartsmoregratefulprove,BecauseforALLtheSaviourdidnotdie?IsyourstheGodofjusticeandoflove?Andareyourbosomswarmwithcharity?
Say,doesyourheartexpandtoallmankind?And,wouldyouevertoyourneighbourdo--Theweak,thestrong,theenlightened,andtheblind--Asyouwouldhaveyourneighbourdotoyou?
Andwhenyou,lookingonyourfellow-men,Beholdthemdoomedtoendlessmisery,Howcanyoutalkofjoyandrapturethen?--MayGodwithholdsuchcrueljoyfromme!
ThatnonedeserveeternalblissIknow;Unmeritedthegraceinmercygiven:But,noneshallsinktoeverlastingwoe,ThathavenotwelldeservedthewrathofHeaven.
And,oh!thereliveswithinmyheartAhope,longnursedbyme;
(Andshoulditscheeringraydepart,Howdarkmysoulwouldbe!)
ThatasinAdamallhavedied,InChristshallallmenlive;Andeverroundhisthroneabide,Eternalpraisetogive.
ThateventhewickedshallatlastBefittedfortheskies;Andwhentheirdreadfuldoomispast,Tolifeandlightarise.
Iasknot,howremotetheday,Norwhatthesinners'woe,Beforetheirdrossispurgedaway;Enoughformetoknow--
Thatwhentheclipofwrathisdrained,Themetalpurified,They'llclingtowhattheyoncedisdained,AndlivebyHimthatdied.
PASTDAYS.
'TisstrangetothinkthereWASatimeWhenmirthwasnotanemptyname,Whenlaughterreallycheeredtheheart,Andfrequentsmilesunbiddencame,AndtearsofgriefwouldonlyflowInsympathyforothers'woe;
Whenspeechexpressedtheinwardthought,
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Andhearttokindredheartwasbare,AndsummerdayswerefartooshortForallthepleasurescrowdedthere;Andsilence,solitude,andrest,Nowwelcometothewearybreast--
Wereallunprized,uncourtedthen--Andallthejoyonespiritshowed,Theotherdeeplyfeltagain;Andfriendshiplikeariverflowed,Constantandstrongitssilentcourse,Fornoughtwithstooditsgentleforce:
Whennight,theholytimeofpeace,Wasdreadedasthepartinghour;Whenspeechandmirthatoncemustcease,Andsilencemustresumeherpower;Thougheverfreefrompainsandwoes,Sheonlybroughtuscalmrepose.
AndwhentheblesseddawnagainBroughtdaylighttotheblushingskies,Wewoke,andnotRELUCTANTthen,TojoylessLABOURdidwerise;
Butfullofhope,andgladandgay,Wewelcomedthereturningday.
THECONSOLATION.
Thoughbleakthesewoods,anddampthegroundWithfallenleavessothicklystrown,AndcoldthewindthatwandersroundWithwildandmelancholymoan;
ThereISafriendlyroof,Iknow,Mightshieldmefromthewintryblast;Thereisafire,whoseruddyglowWillcheermeformywanderingspast.
Andso,thoughstill,where'erIgo,Coldstranger-glancesmeetmyeye;Though,whenmyspiritsinksinwoe,Unheededswellstheunbiddensigh;
Thoughsolitude,enduredtoolong,Bidsyouthfuljoystoosoondecay,Makesmirthastrangertomytongue,
Andovercloudsmynoonofday;
Whenkindlythoughtsthatwouldhaveway,Flowbackdiscouragedtomybreast;Iknowthereis,thoughfaraway,Ahomewhereheartandsoulmayrest.
Warmhandsarethere,that,claspedinmine,Thewarmerheartwillnotbelie;Whilemirth,andtruth,andfriendshipshine
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Insmilinglipandearnesteye.
TheicethatgathersroundmyheartMaytherebethawed;andsweetly,then,Thejoysofyouth,thatnowdepart,Willcometocheermysoulagain.
ThoughfarIroam,thatthoughtshallbeMyhope,mycomfort,everywhere;Whilesuchahomeremainstome,Myheartshallneverknowdespair!
LINESCOMPOSEDINAWOODONAWINDYDAY.
Mysoulisawakened,myspiritissoaringAndcarriedaloftonthewingsofthebreeze;Foraboveandaroundmethewildwindisroaring,Arousingtorapturetheearthandtheseas.
Thelongwitheredgrassinthesunshineisglancing,Thebaretreesaretossingtheirbranchesonhigh;
Thedeadleavesbeneaththemaremerrilydancing,Thewhitecloudsarescuddingacrossthebluesky
IwishIcouldseehowtheoceanislashingThefoamofitsbillowstowhirlwindsofspray;IwishIcouldseehowitsproudwavesaredashing,Andhearthewildroaroftheirthunderto-day!
VIEWSOFLIFE.
Whensinksmyheartinhopelessgloom,Andlifecanshownojoyforme;AndIbeholdayawningtomb,Wherebowersandpalacesshouldbe;
Invainyoutalkofmorbiddreams;Invainyougailysmilingsay,Thatwhattomesodrearyseems,Thehealthyminddeemsbrightandgay.
Itoohavesmiled,andthoughtlikeyou,Butmadlysmiled,andfalselydeemed:TRUTHledmetothepresentview,--
I'mwakingnow--'twasTHENIdreamed.
Ilatelysawasunsetsky,AndstoodenrapturedtobeholdItsvariedhuesofgloriousdye:First,fleecycloudsofshininggold;
Theseblushingtookarosyhue;Beneaththemshoneafloodofgreen;Norlessdivine,thegloriousblue
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Thatsmiledabovethemandbetween.
Icannotnameeachlovelyshade;Icannotsayhowbrighttheyshone;Butonebyone,Isawthemfade;Andwhatremainedwhentheyweregone?
Dullcloudsremained,ofsombrehue,Andwhentheirborrowedcharmwaso'er,Theazureskyhadfadedtoo,Thatsmiledsosoftlybrightbefore.
So,gildedbytheglowofyouth,Ourvariedlifelooksfairandgay;Andsoremainsthenakedtruth,Whenthatfalselightispastaway.
Whyblameye,then,mykeenersight,ThatclearlyseesaworldofwoesThroughallthehazeofgoldenlightThatflatteringFalsehoodrounditthrows?
WhentheyoungmothersmilesaboveThefirst-borndarlingofherheart,
Herbosomglowswithearnestlove,Whiletearsofsilenttransportstart.
Fonddreamer!littledoessheknowTheanxioustoil,thesuffering,Theblastedhopes,theburningwoe,Theobjectofherjoywillbring.
HerblindedeyesbeholdnotnowWhat,soonorlate,mustbehisdoom;Theanguishthatwillcloudhisbrow,Thebedofdeath,thedrearytomb.
Aslittleknowtheyouthfulpair,Inmutuallovesupremelyblest,Whatweariness,andcolddespair,Erelong,willseizetheachingbreast.
AndevenshouldLoveandFaithremain,(Thegreatestblessingslifecanshow,)Amidadversityandpain,Toshinethroughoutwithcheeringglow;
TheydonotseehowcruelDeathComeson,theirlovingheartstopart:Onefeelsnotnowthegaspingbreath,
Therendingoftheearth-boundheart,--
Thesoul'sandbody'sagony,Ereshemaysinktoherrepose.ThesadsurvivorcannotseeThegraveabovehisdarlingclose;
Norhow,despairingandalone,Hethenmustwearhislifeaway;Andlinger,feeblytoilingon,
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Andfainting,sinkintodecay.
****
Oh,Youthmaylistenpatiently,WhilesadExperiencetellshertale,ButDoubtsitssmilinginhiseye,ForardentHopewillstillprevail!
HehearshowfeeblePleasuredies,Byguiltdestroyed,andpainandwoe;HeturnstoHope--andshereplies,"Believeitnot-itisnotso!"
"Oh,heedhernot!"Experiencesays;"Forthusshewhisperedoncetome;Shetoldme,inmyyouthfuldays,Howgloriousmanhood'sprimewouldbe.
"When,inthetimeofearlySpring,Toochillthewindsthato'ermepass'd,Shesaid,eachcomingdaywouldbringafairerheaven,agentlerblast.
"Andwhenthesuntooseldombeamed,Thesky,o'ercast,toodarklyfrowned,Thesoakingraintooconstantstreamed,Andmiststoodrearygatheredround;
"Shetoldme,Summer'sgloriousrayWouldchasethosevapoursallaway,Andscattergloriesround;Withsweetestmusicfillthetrees,Loadwithrichscentthegentlebreeze,Andstrewwithflowerstheground
"Butwhen,beneaththatscorchingray,
Ilanguished,wearythroughtheday,Whilebirdsrefusedtosing,Verduredecayedfromfieldandtree,AndpantingNaturemournedwithmeThefreshnessoftheSpring.
"'Waitbutalittlewhile,'shesaid,'TillSummer'sburningdaysarefled;AndAutumnshallrestore,Withgoldenrichesofherown,AndSummer'sgloriesmelloweddown,Thefreshnessyoudeplore.'
AndlongIwaited,butinvain:Thatfreshnessnevercameagain,ThoughSummerpassedaway,ThoughAutumn'smistshungcoldandchill.Anddroopingnaturelanguishedstill,Andsankintodecay.
"TillwintryblastsforebodingblewThroughleaflesstrees--andthenIknewThatHopewasalladream.
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Butthus,fondyouth,shecheatedme;Andshewillproveasfalsetothee,Thoughsweetherwordsmayseem.
Sternprophet!Ceasethybodingsdire--ThoucanstnotquenchtheardentfireThatwarmsthebreastofyouth.Oh,letitcheerhimwhileitmay,Andgently,gentlydieaway--Chilledbythedampsoftruth!
Tellhim,thatearthisnotourrest;Itsjoysareempty--frailatbest;Andpointbeyondthesky.Butgleamsoflightmayreachushere;AndhopetheROUGHESTpathcancheer:Thendonotbiditfly!
Thoughhopemaypromisejoys,thatstillUnkindlytimewillne'erfulfil;Or,iftheycomeatall,Weneverfindthemunalloyed,--Hurtfulperchance,orsoondestroyed,Theyvanishortheypall;
YethopeITSELFabrightnessthrowsO'erallourlaboursandourwoes;WhiledarkforebodingCareAthousandillswilloftportend,ThatProvidencemayne'erintendThetremblinghearttobear.
Oriftheycome,itoftappears,Ourwoesarelighterthanourfears,Andfarmorebravelyborne.ThenletusnotenhanceourdoomBute'eninmidnight'sblackestgloom
Expecttherisingmorn.
Becausetheroadisroughandlong,Shallwedespisetheskylark'ssong,Thatcheersthewanderer'sway?Ortrampledown,withrecklessfeet,Thesmilingflowerets,brightandsweet,Becausetheysoondecay?
Passpleasantscenesunnoticedby,Becausethenextisbleakanddrear;Ornotenjoyasmilingsky,Becauseatempestmaybenear?
No!whilewejourneyonourway,We'llsmileoneverylovelything;Andever,astheypassaway,Tomemoryandhopewe'llcling.
AndthoughthatawfulriverflowsBeforeus,whenthejourney'spast,Perchanceofallthepilgrim'swoesMostdreadful--shrinknot--'tisthelast!
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Thoughicycold,anddark,anddeep;Beyonditsmilesthatblessedshore,Wherenoneshallsuffer,noneshallweep,Andblissshallreignforevermore!
APPEAL.
Oh,Iamveryweary,Thoughtearsnolongerflow;Myeyesaretiredofweeping,Myheartissickofwoe;
MylifeisverylonelyMydayspassheavily,I'mwearyofrepining;Wiltthounotcometome?
Oh,didstthouknowmylongingsForthee,fromdaytoday,Myhopes,sooftenblighted,
Thouwouldstnotthusdelay!
THESTUDENT'SSERENADE.
Ihavesleptuponmycouch,Butmyspiritdidnotrest,ForthelaboursofthedayYetmywearysoulopprest;
Andbeforemydreamingeyes
Stillthelearnedvolumeslay,AndIcouldnotclosetheirleaves,AndIcouldnotturnaway.
ButIopedmyeyesatlast,AndIheardamuffledsound;'Twasthenight-breeze,cometosayThatthesnowwasontheground.
ThenIknewthattherewasrestOnthemountain'sbosomfree;SoIleftmyfeveredcouch,AndIflewtowakenthee!
Ihaveflowntowakenthee--For,ifthouwiltnotarise,ThenmysoulcandrinknopeaceFromtheseholymoonlightskies.
AndthiswasteofvirginsnowTomysightwillnotbefair,Unlessthouwiltsmilingcome,Love,towanderwithmethere.
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Then,awake!Maria,wake!For,ifthoucouldstonlyknowHowthequietmoonlightsleepsOnthiswildernessofsnow,
Andthegrovesofancienttrees,Intheirsnowygarbarrayed,TilltheystretchintothegloomOfthedistantvalley'sshade;
IknowthouwouldstrejoiceToinhalethisbracingair;ThouwouldstbreakthysweetestsleepTobeholdascenesofair.
O'erthesewintrywilds,ALONE,Thouwouldstjoytowanderfree;Anditwillnotpleasetheeless,Thoughthatblissbesharedwithme.
THECAPTIVEDOVE.
Poorrestlessdove,Ipitythee;AndwhenIhearthyplaintivemoan,Imournforthycaptivity,Andinthywoesforgetmineown.
Toseetheestandpreparedtofly,Andflapthoseuselesswingsofthine,Andgazeintothedistantsky,Wouldmeltaharderheartthanmine.
Invain--invain!Thoucanstnotrise:
Thyprisonroofconfinestheethere;Itsslenderwiresdeludethineeyes,Andquenchthylongingswithdespair.
Oh,thouwertmadetowanderfreeInsunnymeadandshadygrove,Andfarbeyondtherollingsea,Indistantclimes,atwilltorove!
Yet,hadstthoubutonegentlemateThylittledroopinghearttocheer,Andsharewiththeethycaptivestate,Thoucouldstbehappyeventhere.
Yes,eventhere,if,listeningby,Onefaithfuldearcompanionstood,Whilegazingonherfullbrighteye,Thoumightstforgetthynativewood
Butthou,poorsolitarydove,Mustmake,unheard,thyjoylessmoan;TheheartthatNatureformedtoloveMustpine,neglected,andalone.
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SELF-CONGRATULATION.
Ellen,youwerethoughtlessonceOfbeautyorofgrace,Simpleandhomelyinattire,Carelessofformandface;Thenwhencethischange?andwhereforenowSooftensmootheyourhair?AndwhereforedeckyouryouthfulformWithsuchunweariedcare?
Tellus,andceasetotireourearsWiththatfamiliarstrain;WhywillyouplaythosesimpletunesSoofteno'eragain?"Indeed,dearfriends,IcanbutsayThatchildhood'sthoughtsaregone;Eachyearitsownnewfeelingsbrings,Andyearsmoveswiftlyon:
"Andfortheselittlesimpleairs--Ilovetoplaythemo'erSomuch--Idarenotpromise,now,Toplaythemnevermore."Ianswered--anditwasenough;Theyturnedthemtodepart;Theycouldnotreadmysecretthoughts,Norseemythrobbingheart.
I'venoticedmanyayouthfulform,UponwhosechangefulfaceTheinmostworkingsofthesoulThegazerwellmighttrace;
Thespeakingeye,thechanginglip,Thereadyblushingcheek,Thesmiling,orbecloudedbrow,Theirdifferentfeelingsspeak.
But,thankGod!youmightgazeonmineForhours,andneverknowThesecretchangesofmysoulFromjoytokeenestwoe.Lastnight,aswesatroundthefireConversingmerrily,Weheard,without,approachingstepsOfonewellknowntome!
Therewasnotremblinginmyvoice,Noblushuponmycheek,Nolustroussparkleinmyeyes,Ofhope,orjoy,tospeak;But,oh!myspiritburnedwithin,Myheartbeatfullandfast!Hecamenotnigh--hewentaway--Andthenmyjoywaspast.
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Andyetmycomradesmarkeditnot:Myvoicewasstillthesame;Theysawmesmile,ando'ermyfaceNosignsofsadnesscame.Theylittleknewmyhiddenthoughts;AndtheywillNEVERknowTheachinganguishofmyheart,Thebitterburningwoe!
FLUCTUATIONS,
WhatthoughtheSunhadleftmysky;TosavemefromdespairTheblessedMoonaroseonhigh,Andshoneserenelythere.
Iwatchedher,withatearfulgaze,Riseslowlyo'erthehill,Whilethroughthedimhorizon'shazeHerlightgleamedfaintandchill.
IthoughtsuchwanandlifelessbeamsCouldne'ermyheartrepayForthebrightsun'smosttransientgleamsThatcheeredmethroughtheday:
But,asabovethatmist'scontrolSherose,andbrightershone,Ifeltherlightuponmysoul;Butnow--thatlightisgone!
Thickvapourssnatchedherfrommysight,AndIwasdarklingleft,Allinthecoldandgloomynight,
Oflightandhopebereft:
Until,methought,alittlestarShoneforthwithtremblingray,Tocheermewithitslightafar--Butthat,too,passedaway.
Anon,anearthlymeteorblazedThegloomydarknessthrough;Ismiled,yettrembledwhileIgazed--Butthatsoonvanishedtoo!
Anddarker,drearierfellthenight
Uponmyspiritthen;--Butwhatisthatfaintstrugglinglight?IsittheMoonagain?
KindHeaven!increasethatsilverygleamAndbidthesecloudsdepart,AndlethersoftcelestialbeamRestoremyfaintingheart!
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SELECTIONSFROMTHELITERARYREMAINSOFELLISANDACTONBELL.
BYCURRERBELL.
*
SELECTIONSFROMPOEMSBYELLISBELL.
Itwouldnothavebeendifficulttocompileavolumeoutofthepapersleftbymysisters,hadI,inmakingtheselection,dismissedfrommyconsiderationthescruplesandthewishesofthosewhosewrittenthoughtsthesepapersheld.Butthiswasimpossible:aninfluence,strongerthancouldbeexercisedbyanymotiveofexpediency,necessarilyregulatedtheselection.Ihave,then,culledfromthemassonlyalittlepoemhereandthere.Thewholemakesbutatinynosegay,andthecolourandperfumeoftheflowersarenotsuchasfitthemforfestaluses.
Ithasbeenalreadysaidthatmysisterswrotemuchinchildhoodandgirlhood.Usually,itseemsasortofinjusticetoexposeinprintthecrudethoughtsoftheunripemind,therudeeffortsof
theunpractisedhand;yetIventuretogivethreelittlepoemsofmysisterEmily's,writteninhersixteenthyear,becausetheyillustrateapointinhercharacter.
Atthatperiodshewassenttoschool.Herpreviouslife,withtheexceptionofasinglehalf-year,hadbeenpassedintheabsoluteretirementofavillageparsonage,amongstthehillsborderingYorkshireandLancashire.Thesceneryofthesehillsisnotgrand--itisnotromanticitisscarcelystriking.Longlowmoors,darkwithheath,shutinlittlevalleys,whereastreamwaters,hereandthere,afringeofstuntedcopse.Millsandscatteredcottageschaseromancefromthesevalleys;itisonlyhigherup,deepinamongsttheridgesofthemoors,that
Imaginationcanfindrestforthesoleofherfoot:andevenifshefindsitthere,shemustbeasolitude-lovingraven--nogentledove.Ifshedemandbeautytoinspireher,shemustbringitinborn:thesemoorsaretoosterntoyieldanyproductsodelicate.TheeyeofthegazermustITSELFbrimwitha"purplelight,"intenseenoughtoperpetuatethebriefflower-flushofAugustontheheather,ortheraresunset-smileofJune;outofhisheartmustwellthefreshness,thatinlatterspringandearlysummerbrightensthebracken,nurturesthemoss,andcherishesthestarryflowersthatspangleforafewweeksthepastureofthemoor-sheep.Unlessthatlightandfreshnessareinnateandself-sustained,thedrearprospectofaYorkshiremoorwillbefoundasbarrenofpoeticasofagriculturalinterest:
wheretheloveofwildnatureisstrong,thelocalitywillperhapsbeclungtowiththemorepassionateconstancy,becausefromthehill-lover'sselfcomeshalfitscharm.
MysisterEmilylovedthemoors.Flowersbrighterthantherosebloomedintheblackestoftheheathforher;outofasullenhollowinalividhill-sidehermindcouldmakeanEden.Shefoundinthebleaksolitudemanyanddeardelights;andnottheleastandbestlovedwas--liberty.
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LibertywasthebreathofEmily'snostrils;withoutit,sheperished.Thechangefromherownhometoaschool,andfromherownverynoiseless,verysecluded,butunrestrictedandinartificialmodeoflife,tooneofdisciplinedroutine(thoughunderthekindliestauspices),waswhatshefailedinenduring.Hernatureprovedheretoostrongforherfortitude.Everymorningwhenshewoke,thevisionofhomeandthemoorsrushedonher,anddarkenedandsaddenedthedaythatlaybeforeher.Nobodyknewwhatailedherbutme--Iknewonlytoowell.Inthisstruggleherhealthwasquicklybroken:herwhiteface,attenuatedform,andfailingstrength,threatenedrapiddecline.Ifeltinmyheartshewoulddie,ifshedidnotgohome,andwiththisconvictionobtainedherrecall.Shehadonlybeenthreemonthsatschool;anditwassomeyearsbeforetheexperimentofsendingherfromhomewasagainventuredon.Aftertheageoftwenty,havingmeantimestudiedalonewithdiligenceandperseverance,shewentwithmetoanestablishmentontheContinent:thesamesufferingandconflictensued,heightenedbythestrongrecoilofherupright,hereticandEnglishspiritfromthegentleJesuitryoftheforeignandRomishsystem.Oncemoresheseemedsinking,butthistimesheralliedthroughthemereforceofresolution:withinwardremorseandshameshelookedbackonherformerfailure,andresolvedtoconquerinthissecondordeal.Shedidconquer:butthevictorycostherdear.
Shewasneverhappytillshecarriedherhard-wonknowledgebacktotheremoteEnglishvillage,theoldparsonage-house,anddesolateYorkshirehills.Averyfewyearsmore,andshelookedherlastonthosehills,andbreathedherlastinthathouse,andundertheaisleofthatobscurevillagechurchfoundherlastlowlyresting-place.Mercifulwasthedecreethatsparedherwhenshewasastrangerinastrangeland,andguardedherdyingbedwithkindredloveandcongenialconstancy.
Thefollowingpieceswerecomposedattwilight,intheschool-room,whentheleisureoftheeveningplay-hourbroughtbackinfulltidethethoughtsofhome.
I.
ALITTLEwhile,alittlewhile,Thewearytaskisputaway,AndIcansingandIcansmile,Alike,whileIhaveholiday.
Wherewiltthougo,myharassedheart--Whatthought,whatsceneinvitestheenowWhatspot,ornearorfarapart,Hasrestforthee,mywearybrow?
Thereisaspot,'midbarrenhills,Wherewinterhowls,anddrivingrain;But,ifthedrearytempestchills,Thereisalightthatwarmsagain.
Thehouseisold,thetreesarebare,Moonlessabovebendstwilight'sdome;Butwhatonearthishalfsodear--Solongedfor--asthehearthofhome?
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Themutebirdsittingonthestone,Thedankmossdrippingfromthewall,Thethorn-treesgaunt,thewalkso'ergrown,Ilovethem--howIlovethemall!
Still,asImused,thenakedroom,Thealienfirelightdiedaway;Andfromthemidstofcheerlessgloom,Ipassedtobright,uncloudedday.
AlittleandalonegreenlaneThatopenedonacommonwide;Adistant,dreamy,dimbluechainOfmountainscirclingeveryside.
Aheavensoclear,anearthsocalm,Sosweet,sosoft,sohushedanair;And,deepeningstillthedream-likecharm,Wildmoor-sheepfeedingeverywhere.
THATwasthescene,Iknewitwell;Iknewtheturfypathway'ssweep,That,windingo'ereachbillowyswell,Markedoutthetracksofwanderingsheep.
CouldIhavelingeredbutanhour,Itwellhadpaidaweekoftoil;ButTruthhasbanishedFancy'spower:Restraintandheavytaskrecoil.
EvenasIstoodwithrapturedeye,Absorbedinblisssodeepanddear,Myhourofresthadfleetedby,Andbackcamelabour,bondage,care.
II.THEBLUEBELL.
TheBluebellisthesweetestflowerThatwavesinsummerair:ItsblossomshavethemightiestpowerTosoothemyspirit'scare.
ThereisaspellinpurpleheathToowildly,sadlydear;Theviolethasafragrantbreath,Butfragrancewillnotcheer,
Thetreesarebare,thesuniscold,Andseldom,seldomseen;Theheavenshavelosttheirzoneofgold,Andearthherrobeofgreen.
AndiceupontheglancingstreamHascastitssombreshade;AnddistanthillsandvalleysseemInfrozenmistarrayed.
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TheBluebellcannotcharmmenow,Theheathhaslostitsbloom;Thevioletsintheglenbelow,Theyyieldnosweetperfume.
But,thoughImournthesweetBluebell,'Tisbetterfaraway;IknowhowfastmytearswouldswellToseeitsmileto-day.
For,oh!whenchillthesunbeamsfallAdownthatdrearysky,AndgildyondankanddarkenedwallWithtransientbrilliancy;
HowdoIweep,howdoIpineForthetimeofflowerstocome,Andturnmefromthatfadingshine,Tomournthefieldsofhome!
III.
LoudwithoutthewindwasroaringThroughth'autumnalsky;Drenchingwet,thecoldrainpouring,Spokeofwinternigh.Alltoolikethatdrearyeve,Didmyexiledspiritgrieve.Grievedatfirst,butgrievednotlong,Sweet--howsoftlysweet!--itcame;Wildwordsofanancientsong,Undefined,withoutaname.
"Itwasspring,andtheskylarkwassinging:"
Thosewordstheyawakenedaspell;Theyunlockedadeepfountain,whosespringing,Norabsence,nordistancecanquell.
InthegloomofacloudyNovemberTheyutteredthemusicofMay;TheykindledtheperishingemberIntofervourthatcouldnotdecay.
Awaken,o'erallmydearmoorland,West-wind,inthygloryandpride!Oh!callmefromvalleyandlowland,Towalkbythehill-torrent'sside!
Itisswelledwiththefirstsnowyweather;Therockstheyareicyandhoar,Andsullenlywavesthelongheather,Andthefernleavesaresunnynomore.
TherearenoyellowstarsonthemountainThebluebellshavelongdiedawayFromthebrinkofthemoss-beddedfountain--Fromthesideofthewintrybrae.
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Butlovelierthancorn-fieldsallwavingInemerald,andvermeil,andgold,Aretheheightswherethenorth-windisraving,AndthecragswhereIwanderedofold.
Itwasmorning:thebrightsunwasbeaming;HowsweetlyitbroughtbacktomeThetimewhennorlabournordreamingBrokethesleepofthehappyandfree!
Butblithelyweroseasthedawn-heavenWasmeltingtoamberandblue,Andswiftwerethewingstoourfeetgiven,Aswetraversedthemeadowsofdew.
Forthemoors!Forthemoors,wheretheshortgrassLikevelvetbeneathusshouldlie!Forthemoors!Forthemoors,whereeachhighpassRosesunnyagainsttheclearsky!
Forthemoors,wherethelinnetwastrillingItssongontheoldgranitestone;Wherethelark,thewildsky-lark,wasfilling
Everybreastwithdelightlikeitsown!
WhatlanguagecanutterthefeelingWhichrose,wheninexileafar,Onthebrowofalonelyhillkneeling,Isawthebrownheathgrowingthere?
Itwasscatteredandstunted,andtoldmeThatsooneventhatwouldbegone:Itwhispered,"Thegrimwallsenfoldme,Ihavebloomedinmylastsummer'ssun."
Butnotthelovedmusic,whosewaking
MakesthesouloftheSwissdieaway,HasaspellmoreadoredandheartbreakingThan,forme,inthatblightedheathlay.
Thespiritwhichbent'neathitspower,Howitlonged--howitburnedtobefree!IfIcouldhaveweptinthathour,Thosetearshadbeenheaventome.
Well--well;thesadminutesaremoving,Thoughloadedwithtroubleandpain;AndsometimethelovedandthelovingShallmeetonthemountainsagain!
Thefollowinglittlepiecehasnotitle;butinittheGeniusofasolitaryregionseemstoaddresshiswanderingandwaywardvotary,andtorecallwithinhisinfluencetheproudmindwhichrebelledattimesevenagainstwhatitmostloved.
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Shallearthnomoreinspirethee,Thoulonelydreamernow?Sincepassionmaynotfirethee,Shallnatureceasetobow?
Thymindisevermoving,Inregionsdarktothee;Recallitsuselessroving,Comeback,anddwellwithme.
IknowmymountainbreezesEnchantandsoothetheestill,Iknowmysunshinepleases,Despitethywaywardwill.
Whendaywitheveningblending,Sinksfromthesummersky,I'veseenthyspiritbendingInfondidolatry.
I'vewatchedtheeeveryhour;Iknowmymightysway:IknowmymagicpowerTodrivethygriefsaway.
Fewheartstomortalsgiven,Onearthsowildlypine;YetfewwouldaskaheavenMorelikethisearththanthine.
ThenletmywindscaresstheeThycomradeletmebe:Sincenoughtbesidecanblessthee,Return--anddwellwithme.
Hereagainisthesamemindinconversewithalikeabstraction."TheNight-Wind,"breathingthroughanopenwindow,hasvisitedanearwhichdiscernedlanguageinitswhispers.
THENIGHT-WIND.
Insummer'smellowmidnight,AcloudlessmoonshonethroughOuropenparlourwindow,Androse-treeswetwithdew.
Isatinsilentmusing;Thesoftwindwavedmyhair;Ittoldmeheavenwasglorious,Andsleepingearthwasfair.
IneedednotitsbreathingTobringsuchthoughtstome;Butstillitwhisperedlowly,Howdarkthewoodswillbe!
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"ThethickleavesinmymurmurArerustlinglikeadream,AndalltheirmyriadvoicesInstinctwithspiritseem."
Isaid,"Go,gentlesinger,Thywooingvoiceiskind:ButdonotthinkitsmusicHaspowertoreachmymind.
"Playwiththescentedflower,Theyoungtree'ssupplebough,AndleavemyhumanfeelingsIntheirowncoursetoflow."
Thewandererwouldnotheedme;Itskissgrewwarmerstill."Ocome!"itsighedsosweetly;"I'llwinthee'gainstthywill.
"Werewenotfriendsfromchildhood?HaveInotlovedtheelong?Aslongasthou,thesolemnnight,Whosesilencewakesmysong.
"AndwhenthyheartisrestingBeneaththechurch-aislestone,Ishallhavetimeformourning,AndTHOUforbeingalone."
Inthesestanzasaloudergalehasrousedthesleeperonherpillow:thewakenedsoulstrugglestoblendwiththestormbywhichitisswayed:--
Ay--thereitis!itwakesto-nightDeepfeelingsIthoughtdead;Strongintheblast--quickgatheringlight--Theheart'sflamekindlesred.
"NowIcantellbythinealteredcheek,Andbythineeyes'fullgaze,Andbythewordsthouscarcedostspeak,Howwildlyfancyplays.
"Yes--IcouldswearthatgloriouswindHasswepttheworldaside,
HasdasheditsmemoryfromthymindLikefoam-bellsfromthetide:
"AndthouartnowaspiritpouringThypresenceintoall:Thethunderofthetempest'sroaring,Thewhisperofitsfall:
"Anuniversalinfluence,Fromthineowninfluencefree;
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Aprincipleoflife--intense--Losttomortality.
"Thustruly,whenthatbreastiscold,Thyprisonedsoulshallrise;Thedungeonminglewiththemould--Thecaptivewiththeskies.Nature'sdeepbeing,thineshallhold,Herspiritallthyspiritfold,Herbreathabsorbthysighs.Mortal!thoughsoonlife'staleistold;Whooncelives,neverdies!"
LOVEANDFRIENDSHIP.
Loveislikethewildrose-briar;Friendshipliketheholly-tree.Thehollyisdarkwhentherose-briarblooms,Butwhichwillbloommostconstantly?
Thewildrose-briarissweetinspring,
Itssummerblossomsscenttheair;Yetwaittillwintercomesagain,Andwhowillcallthewild-briarfair?
Then,scornthesillyrose-wreathnow,Anddecktheewiththeholly'ssheen,That,whenDecemberblightsthybrow,Hestillmayleavethygarlandgreen.
THEELDER'SREBUKE.
"Listen!Whenyourhair,likemine,Takesatintofsilvergray;Whenyoureyes,withdimmershine,Watchlife'sbubblesfloataway:
Whenyou,youngman,havebornelikemeThewearyweightofsixty-three,ThenshallpenancesorebepaidForthosehourssowildlysquandered;AndthewordsthatnowfalldeadOnyourear,bedeeplypondered--Ponderedandapprovedatlast:
Buttheirvirtuewillbepast!
"GloriousistheprizeofDuty,Thoughshebe'aseriouspower';TreacherousalltheluresofBeauty,Thornybudandpoisonousflower!
"MirthisbutamadbeguilingOfthegolden-giftedtime;Love--ademon-meteor,wiling
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Heedlessfeettogulfsofcrime.
"Thosewhofollowearthlypleasure,Heavenlyknowledgewillnotlead;Wisdomhidesfromthemhertreasure,Virtuebidsthemevil-speed!
"Vainlymaytheirheartsrepenting.Seekforaidinfutureyears;Wisdom,scorned,knowsnorelenting;Virtueisnotwonbyfears."
Thusspaketheice-bloodedeldergray;Theyoungmanscoffedasheturnedaway,Turnedtothecallofasweetlute'smeasure,Wakedbythelightsometouchofpleasure:Hadhene'ermetagentlerteacher,Woehadbeenwroughtbythatpitilesspreacher.
THEWANDERERFROMTHEFOLD.
Howfew,ofalltheheartsthatloved,Aregrievingfortheenow;Andwhyshouldmineto-nightbemovedWithsuchasenseofwoe?
Toooftenthus,whenleftalone,Wherenonemythoughtscansee,Comesbackaword,apassingtoneFromthystrangehistory.
SometimesIseemtoseetheerise,Agloriouschildagain;Allvirtuesbeamingfromthineeyes
Thateverhonouredmen:
Courageandtruth,agenerousbreastWheresinlesssunshinelay:AbeingwhoseverypresenceblestLikegladsomesummer-day.
O,fairlyspreadthyearlysail,Andfresh,andpure,andfree,WasthefirstimpulseofthegaleWhichurgedlife'swaveforthee!
Whydidthepilot,tooconfiding,
Dreamo'erthatocean'sfoam,AndtrustinPleasure'scarelessguidingTobringhisvesselhome?
Forwellheknewwhatdangersfrowned,Whatmistswouldgather,dim;Whatrocksandshelves,andsandslayroundBetweenhisportandhim.
Theverybrightnessofthesun
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Thesplendourofthemain,ThewindwhichborehimwildlyonShouldnothavewarnedinvain.
Ananxiousgazerfromtheshore--Imarkedthewhiteningwave,AndweptabovethyfatethemoreBecause--Icouldnotsave.
Itrecksnotnow,whenallisover:ButyetmyheartwillbeAmournerstill,thoughfriendandloverHavebothforgottenthee!
WARNINGANDREPLY.
Intheearth--theearth--thoushaltbelaid,Agreystonestandingoverthee;Blackmouldbeneaththeespread,Andblackmouldtocoverthee.
"Well--thereisrestthere,Sofastcomethyprophecy;ThetimewhenmysunnyhairShallwithgrassrootsentwinedbe."
Butcold--coldisthatresting-place,Shutoutfromjoyandliberty,AndallwholovedthylivingfaceWillshrinkfromitshudderingly,
"Notso.HEREtheworldischill,Andswornfriendsfallfromme:ButTHERE--theywillownmestill,
Andprizemymemory."
Farewell,then,allthatlove,Allthatdeepsympathy:Sleepon:Heavenlaughsabove,Earthnevermissesthee.
Turf-sodandtombstonedrearParthumancompany;Oneheartbreaksonly--here,Butthatheartwasworthythee!
LASTWORDS.
Iknewnot'twassodireacrimeTosaytheword,"Adieu;"ButthisshallbetheonlytimeMylipsorheartshallsue.
Thatwildhill-side,thewintermorn,
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Thegnarledandancienttree,Ifinyourbreasttheywakenscorn,Shallwakethesameinme.
Icanforgetblackeyesandbrows,Andlipsoffalsestcharm,IfyouforgetthesacredvowsThosefaithlesslipscouldform.
Ifhardcommandscantameyourlove,Orstrongestwallscanhold,IwouldnotwishtogrieveaboveAthingsofalseandcold.
AndtherearebosomsboundtomineWithlinksbothtriedandstrong:AndthereareeyeswhoselightningshineHaswarmedandblestmelong:
Thoseeyesshallmakemyonlyday,Shallsetmyspiritfree,AndchasethefoolishthoughtsawayThatmournyourmemory.
THELADYTOHERGUITAR.
Forhimwhostruckthyforeignstring,Iweenthishearthasceasedtocare;ThenwhydostthousuchfeelingsbringTomysadspirit--oldGuitar?
ItisasifthewarmsunlightInsomedeepglenshouldlingeringstay,Whencloudsofstorm,orshadesofnight,
Havewrapttheparentorbaway.
ItisasiftheglassybrookShouldimagestillitswillowsfair,Thoughyearsagothewoodman'sstrokeLaidlowindusttheirDryad-hair.
Evenso,Guitar,thymagictoneHathmovedthetearandwakedthesigh:Hathbidtheancienttorrentmoan,Althoughitsverysourceisdry.
THETWOCHILDREN.
Heavyhangstherain-dropFromtheburdenedspray;HeavybroodsthedampmistOnuplandsfaraway.
Heavyloomsthedullsky,
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Heavyrollsthesea;AndheavythrobstheyoungheartBeneaththatlonelytree.
NeverhasabluestreakCleftthecloudssincemorn;NeverhashisgrimfateSmiledsincehewasborn.
Frowningontheinfant,Shadowingchildhood'sjoyGuardian-angelknowsnotThatmelancholyboy.
DayispassingswiftlyItssadandsombreprime;BoyhoodsadismergingInsaddermanhood'stime:
AlltheflowersareprayingForsun,beforetheyclose,Andhepraystoo--unconscious--Thatsunlesshumanrose.
Blossom--thatthewest-windHasneverwooedtoblow,Scentlessarethypetals,Thydewiscoldassnow!
Soul--wherekindredkindness,Noearlypromisewoke,Barrenisthybeauty,Asweeduponarock.
Wither--soulandblossom!Youbothwerevainlygiven;Earthreservesnoblessing
Fortheunblestofheaven!
Childofdelight,withsun-brighthair,Andsea-blue,sea-deepeyes!Spiritofbliss!WhatbringstheehereBeneaththesesullenskies?
Thoushouldstliveineternalspring,Whereendlessdayisneverdim;Why,Seraph,hasthineerringwingWaftedtheedowntoweepwithhim?
"Ah!notfromheavenamIdescended,
NordoIcometomingletears;Butsweetisday,thoughwithshadowsblended;And,thoughclouded,sweetareyouthfulyears.
"I--theimageoflightandgladness--Sawandpitiedthatmournfulboy,AndIvowed--ifneedwere--tosharehissadness,Andgivetohimmysunnyjoy.
"Heavyanddarkthenightisclosing;
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Heavyanddarkmayitsbidingbe:Betterforallfromgriefreposing,Andbetterforallwhowatchlikeme--
"Watchinlovebyafeveredpillow,Coolingthefeverwithpity'sbalmSafeasthepetrelontossingbillow,Safeinmineownsoul'sgoldencalm!
"Guardian-angelhelacksnolonger;Evilfortuneheneednotfear:Fateisstrong,butloveisstronger;AndMYloveistruerthanangel-care."
THEVISIONARY.
Silentisthehouse:allarelaidasleep:Onealonelooksouto'erthesnow-wreathsdeep,Watchingeverycloud,dreadingeverybreezeThatwhirlsthewilderingdrift,andbendsthegroaningtrees.
Cheerfulisthehearth,softthemattedfloor;Notoneshiveringgustcreepsthroughpaneordoor;Thelittlelampburnsstraight,itsraysshootstrongandfar:Itrimitwell,tobethewanderer'sguiding-star.
Frown,myhaughtysire!chide,myangrydame!Setyourslavestospy;threatenmewithshame:Butneithersirenordame,norpryingserfshallknow,Whatangelnightlytracksthatwasteoffrozensnow.
WhatIloveshallcomelikevisitantofair,Safeinsecretpowerfromlurkinghumansnare;Whatlovesme,nowordofmineshalle'erbetray,
Thoughforfaithunstainedmylifemustforfeitpay
Burn,then,littlelamp;glimmerstraightandclear--Hush!arustlingwingstirs,methinks,theair:HeforwhomIwait,thusevercomestome;StrangePower!Itrustthymight;trustthoumyconstancy.
ENCOURAGEMENT.
Idonotweep;Iwouldnotweep;
Ourmotherneedsnotears:Drythineeyes,too;'tisvaintokeepThiscauselessgriefforyears.
Whatthoughherbrowbechangedandcold,Hersweeteyesclosedforever?Whatthoughthestone--thedarksomemouldOurmortalbodiessever?
Whatthoughherhandsmoothne'eragain
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Thosesilkenlocksofthine?Nor,throughlonghoursoffuturepain,Herkindfaceo'ertheeshine?
Rememberstill,sheisnotdead;Sheseesus,sister,now;Laid,whereherangelspiritfled,'Midheathandfrozensnow.
AndfromthatworldofheavenlylightWillshenotalwaysbendToguideusinourlifetime'snight,Andguardustotheend?
Thouknowestshewill;andthoumaystmournThatWEareleftbelow:Butnotthatshecanne'erreturnToshareourearthlywoe.
STANZAS.
Oftenrebuked,yetalwaysbackreturningTothosefirstfeelingsthatwerebornwithme,AndleavingbusychaseofwealthandlearningForidledreamsofthingswhichcannotbe:
To-day,Iwillseeknottheshadowyregion;Itsunsustainingvastnesswaxesdrear;Andvisionsrising,legionafterlegion,Bringtheunrealworldtoostrangelynear.
I'llwalk,butnotinoldheroictraces,Andnotinpathsofhighmorality,Andnotamongthehalf-distinguishedfaces,
Thecloudedformsoflong-pasthistory.
I'llwalkwheremyownnaturewouldbeleading:Itvexesmetochooseanotherguide:Wherethegreyflocksinfernyglensarefeeding;Wherethewildwindblowsonthemountainside.
Whathavethoselonelymountainsworthrevealing?MoregloryandmoregriefthanIcantell:TheearththatwakesonehumanhearttofeelingCancentreboththeworldsofHeavenandHell.
ThefollowingarethelastlinesmysisterEmilyeverwrote:-
Nocowardsoulismine,Notremblerintheworld'sstorm-troubledsphere:IseeHeaven'sgloriesshine,Andfaithshinesequal,armingmefromfear.
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OGodwithinmybreast,Almighty,ever-presentDeity!Life--thatinmehasrest,AsI--undyingLife--havepowerinthee!
VainarethethousandcreedsThatmovemen'shearts:unutterablyvain;Worthlessaswitheredweeds,Oridlestfrothamidtheboundlessmain,
TowakendoubtinoneHoldingsofastbythineinfinity;SosurelyanchoredonThestedfastrockofimmortality.
Withwide-embracingloveThyspiritanimateseternalyears,Pervadesandbroodsabove,Changes,sustains,dissolves,creates,andrears.
Thoughearthandmanweregone,Andsunsanduniversesceasedtobe,AndThouwereleftalone,EveryexistencewouldexistinThee.
ThereisnotroomforDeath,Noratomthathismightcouldrendervoid:Thou--THOUartBeingandBreath,AndwhatTHOUartmayneverbedestroyed.
*
SELECTIONSFROMPOEMSBYACTONBELL.
InlookingovermysisterAnne'spapers,Ifindmournfulevidencethatreligiousfeelinghadbeentoherbuttoomuchlikewhatit
wastoCowper;Imean,ofcourse,inafarmilderform.Withoutrenderingherapreytothosehorrorsthatdefyconcealment,itsubduedhermoodandbearingtoaperpetualpensiveness;thepillarofacloudglidedconstantlybeforehereyes;sheeverwaitedatthefootofasecretSinai,listeninginherhearttothevoiceofatrumpetsoundinglongandwaxinglouder.Some,perhaps,wouldrejoiceoverthesetokensofsincerethoughsorrowingpietyinadeceasedrelative:Iown,tometheyseemsad,asifherwholeinnocentlifehadbeenpassedunderthemartyrdomofanunconfessedphysicalpain:theireffect,indeed,wouldbetoodistressing,wereitnotcombatedbythecertainknowledgethatinherlastmomentsthistyrannyofatootenderconsciencewasovercome;thispompofterrorsbrokeup,and
passingaway,leftherdyinghourunclouded.HerbeliefinGoddidnotthenbringtoherdread,asofasternJudge,--buthope,asinaCreatorandSaviour:andnofalteringhopewasit,butasureandstedfastconviction,onwhich,intherudepassagefromTimetoEternity,shethrewtheweightofherhumanweakness,andbywhichshewasenabledtobearwhatwastobeborne,patiently--serenely--victoriously.
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DESPONDENCY.
Ihavegonebackwardinthework;Thelabourhasnotsped;Drowsyanddarkmyspiritlies,Heavyanddullaslead.
HowcanIrousemysinkingsoulFromsuchalethargy?HowcanIbreaktheseironchainsAndsetmyspiritfree?
TherehavebeentimeswhenIhavemourned!Inanguisho'erthepast,Andraisedmysupplianthandsonhigh,Whiletearsfellthickandfast;
Andprayedtohavemysinsforgiven,Withsuchaferventzeal,Anearnestgrief,astrongdesireAsnowIcannotfeel.
AndIhavefeltsofulloflove,
Sostronginspiritthen,Asifmyheartwouldnevercool,Orwanderbackagain.
Andyet,alas!howmanytimesMyfeethavegoneastray!HowofthaveIforgotmyGod!Howgreatlyfallenaway!
Mysinsincrease--mylovegrowscold,AndHopewithinmedies:EvenFaithitselfiswaveringnow;Oh,howshallIarise?
Icannotweep,butIcanpray,Thenletmenotdespair:LordJesus,saveme,lestIdie!Christ,hearmyhumbleprayer!
APRAYER.
MyGod(oh,letmecallTheemine,Weak,wretchedsinnerthoughIbe),
MytremblingsoulwouldfainbeThine;MyfeeblefaithstillclingstoThee.
NotonlyforthePastIgrieve,TheFuturefillsmewithdismay;UnlessThouhastentorelieve,Thysuppliantisacastaway.
Icannotsaymyfaithisstrong,Idarenothopemyloveisgreat;
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ButstrengthandlovetoTheebelong;Oh,donotleavemedesolate!
IknowIowemyalltoThee;Oh,TAKEtheheartIcannotgive!DoThoumystrength--mySaviourbe,AndMAKEmetoThyglorylive.
INMEMORYOFAHAPPYDAYINFEBRUARY.
BlessedbeThouforallthejoyMysoulhasfeltto-day!Oh,letitsmemorystaywithme,Andneverpassaway!
Iwasalone,forthoseIlovedWerefarawayfromme;Thesunshoneonthewitheredgrass,Thewindblewfreshandfree.
Wasitthesmileofearlyspring
Thatmademybosomglow?'Twassweet;butneithersunnorwindCouldcheermyspiritso.
WasitsomefeelingofdelightAllvagueandundefined?No;'twasarapturedeepandstrong,Expandinginthemind.
Wasitasanguineviewoflife,Andallitstransientbliss,Ahopeofbrightprosperity?Oh,no!itwasnotthis.
ItwasaglimpseoftruthdivineUntomyspiritgiven,IlluminedbyarayoflightThatshonedirectfromheaven.
IfelttherewasaGodonhigh,Bywhomallthingsweremade;IsawHiswisdomandHispowerInallhisworksdisplayed.
Butmostthroughoutthemoralworld,Isawhisgloryshine;
IsawHiswisdominfinite,Hismercyalldivine.
DeepsecretsofHisprovidence,Indarknesslongconcealed,UntothevisionofmysoulWeregraciouslyrevealed.
ButwhileIwonderedandadoredHisMajestydivine,
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IdidnottrembleatHispower:IfeltthatGodwasmine;
IknewthatmyRedeemerlived;Ididnotfeartodie;FullsurethatIshouldriseagainToimmortality.
Ilongedtoviewthatblissdivine,Whicheyehathneverseen;LikeMoses,IwouldseeHisfaceWithouttheveilbetween.
CONFIDENCE.
Oppressedwithsinandwoe,AburdenedheartIbear,Opposedbymanyamightyfoe;ButIwillnotdespair.
Withthispollutedheart,
IdaretocometoThee,HolyandmightyasThouart,ForThouwiltpardonme.
IfeelthatIamweak,Andpronetoeverysin;ButThouwhogiv'sttothosewhoseek,Wiltgivemestrengthwithin.
FarasthisearthmaybeFromyonderstarryskies;RemoterstillamIfromThee:YetThouwiltnotdespise.
Ineednotfearmyfoes,Ideednotyieldtocare;Ineednotsinkbeneathmywoes,ForThouwiltanswerprayer.
InmyRedeemer'sname,IgivemyselftoThee;And,allunworthyasIam,MyGodwillcherishme.
MysisterAnnehadtotastethecupoflifeasitismixedfortheclasstermed"Governesses."
Thefollowingaresomeofthethoughtsthatnowandthensolaceagoverness:--
LINESWRITTENFROMHOME.
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Thoughbleakthesewoods,anddamptheground,Withfallenleavessothicklystrewn,AndcoldthewindthatwandersroundWithwildandmelancholymoan;
ThereisafriendlyroofIknow,Mightshieldmefromthewintryblast;ThereisafirewhoseruddyglowWillcheermeformywanderingspast.
Andso,thoughstillwhere'erIgoColdstrangerglancesmeetmyeye;Though,whenmyspiritsinksinwoe,Unheededswellstheunbiddensigh;
Thoughsolitude,enduredtoolong,Bidsyouthfuljoystoosoondecay,Makesmirthastrangertomytongue,Andovercloudsmynoonofday;
WhenkindlythoughtsthatwouldhavewayFlowback,discouraged,tomybreast,Iknowthereis,thoughfaraway,Ahomewhereheartandsoulmayrest.
Warmhandsarethere,that,claspedinmine,Thewarmerheartwillnotbelie;Whilemirthandtruth,andfriendshipshineInsmilinglipandearnesteye.
TheicethatgathersroundmyheartMaytherebethawed;andsweetly,then,Thejoysofyouth,thatnowdepart,Willcometocheermysoulagain.
ThoughfarIroam,thatthoughtshallbeMyhope,mycomforteverywhere;
Whilesuchahomeremainstome,Myheartshallneverknowdespair.
THENARROWWAY.
BelievenotthosewhosayTheupwardpathissmooth,Lestthoushouldststumbleintheway,Andfaintbeforethetruth.
ItistheonlyroadUntotherealmsofjoy;ButhewhoseeksthatblestabodeMustallhispowersemploy.
BrighthopesandpuredelightUponhiscoursemaybeam,Andthere,amidthesternestheights,Thesweetestfloweretsgleam.
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Onallherbreezesborne,Earthyieldsnoscentslikethose;ButhethatdaresnotgaspthethornShouldnevercravetherose.
Arm--armtheeforthefight!Castuselessloadsaway;Watchthroughthedarkesthoursofnight;Toilthroughthehottestday.
Crushprideintothedust,Orthoumustneedsbeslack;Andtrampledownrebelliouslust,Oritwillholdtheeback.
Seeknotthyhonourhere;Waivepleasureandrenown;Theworld'sdreadscoffundauntedbear,Andfaceitsdeadliestfrown.
Tolabourandtolove,Topardonandendure,ToliftthyhearttoGodabove,Andkeepthyconsciencepure;
Bethisthyconstantaim,Thyhope,thychiefdelight;WhatmatterwhoshouldwhisperblameOrwhoshouldscornorslight?
Whatmatter,ifthyGodapprove,Andif,withinthybreast,ThoufeelthecomfortofHislove,TheearnestofHisrest?
DOMESTICPEACE.
Whyshouldsuchgloomysilencereign,Andwhyisallthehousesodrear,Whenneitherdanger,sickness,pain,Nordeath,norwant,haveenteredhere?
WeareasmanyaswewereThatothernight,whenallweregayAndfullofhope,andfreefromcare;Yetistheresomethinggoneaway.
Themoonwithout,aspureandcalm,Isshiningasthatnightsheshone;Butnow,tous,shebringsnobalm,Forsomethingfromourheartsisgone.
Somethingwhoseabsenceleavesavoid--Acheerlesswantineveryheart;Eachfeelstheblissofalldestroyed,Andmournsthechange--buteachapart.
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ThefireisburninginthegrateAsredlyasitusedtoburn;Butstillthehearthisdesolate,Tillmirth,andlove,andPEACEreturn.
'TwasPEACEthatflowedfromhearttoheart,Withlooksandsmilesthatspokeofheaven,AndgaveuslanguagetoimpartTheblissfulthoughtsitselfhadgiven.
Domesticpeace!bestjoyofearth,Whenshallweallthyvaluelearn?Whiteangel,tooursorrowinghearth,Return--oh,graciouslyreturn!
THETHREEGUIDES.[FirstpublishedinFRASER'SMAGAZINE.]
SpiritofEarth!thyhandischill:I'vefeltitsicyclasp;And,shuddering,IrememberstillThatstony-heartedgrasp.
Thineeyebidsloveandjoydepart:Oh,turnitsgazefromme!Itpressesdownmyshrinkingheart;Iwillnotwalkwiththee!
"Wisdomismine,"I'veheardtheesay:"BeneathmysearchingeyeAllmistanddarknessmeltaway,Phantomsandfablesfly.Beforemetruthcanstandalone,Thenaked,solidtruth;Andmanmaturedbyworthwillown,IfIamshunnedbyyouth.
"Firmismytread,andsurethoughslow;Myfootstepsneverslide;AndhethatfollowsmeshallknowIamthesurestguide."Thyboastisvain;butwereittrueThatthoucouldstsafelysteerLife'sroughanddeviouspathwaythrough,SuchguidanceIshouldfear.
HowcouldIbeartowalkforaye,Witheyestoearthwardprone,O'ertrampledweedsandmiryclay,
Andsandandflintystone;NeverthegloriousviewtogreetOfhillanddale,andsky;ToseethatNature'scharmsaresweet,OrfeelthatHeavenisnigh?
Ifinmyheartaroseaspring,Agushofthoughtdivine,AtoncestagnationthouwouldstbringWiththatcoldtouchofthine.
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If,glancingup,IsoughttosnatchButoneglimpseofthesky,MybaffledgazewouldonlycatchThyheartless,coldgreyeye.
Iftothebreezeswanderingnear,Ilistenedeagerly,Anddeemedanangel'stonguetohearThatwhisperedhopetome,ThatheavenlymusicwouldbedrownedInthyharsh,droningvoice;Norinwardthought,norsight,norsound,Mightmysadsoulrejoice.
Dullisthineear,unheardbytheeThestill,smallvoiceofHeaven;ThineeyesaredimandcannotseeThehelpsthatGodhasgiven.Thereisabridgeo'ereveryfloodWhichthoucanstnotperceive;Apaththrougheverytangledwood,Butthouwiltnotbelieve.
Strivingtomakethywaybyforce,
Toil-spentandbramble-torn,Thou'ltfellthetreethatchecksthycourse,Andburstthroughbrierandthorn:And,pausingbytheriver'sside,Poorreasoner!thouwiltdeem,Bycastingpebblesinitstide,Tocrosstheswellingstream.
Rightthroughtheflintyrockthou'lttryThytoilsomewaytobore,RegardlessofthepathwaynighThatwouldconducttheeo'erNotonlyartthou,then,unkind,
Andfreezingcoldtome,Butunbelieving,deaf,andblind:Iwillnotwalkwiththee!
SpiritofPride!thywingsarestrong,Thineeyeslikelightningshine;Ecstaticjoystotheebelong,Andpowersalmostdivine.But'tisafalse,destructiveblazeWithinthoseeyesIsee;Turnhencetheirfascinatinggaze;Iwillnotfollowthee.
"Cowardandfool!"thoumaystreply,Walkonthecommonsod;Go,tracewithtimidfootandeyeThestepsbyotherstrod.'Tisbestthebeatenpathtokeep,Theancientfaithtohold;Topasturewiththyfellow-sheep,Andliewithinthefold.
"Clingtotheearth,poorgrovellingworm;
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'TisnotfortheetosoarAgainstthefuryofthestorm,Amidthethunder'sroar!There'sgloryinthatdaringstrifeUnknown,undreamtbythee;There'sspeechlessraptureinthelifeOfthosewhofollowme.
Yes,Ihaveseenthyvotariesoft,Upheldbytheetheirguide,InstrengthandcouragemountaloftThesteepymountain-side;I'veseenthemstandagainstthesky,Andgazingfrombelow,BeheldthylightningintheireyeThytriumphontheirbrow.
Oh,Ihavefeltwhatglorythen,Whattransportmustbetheirs!Sofarabovetheirfellow-men,Abovetheirtoilsandcares;InhalingNature'spurestbreath,Herrichesroundthemspread,Thewideexpanseofearthbeneath,
Heaven'sgloriesoverhead!
ButIhaveseenthemhelpless,dash'dDowntoabloodygrave,Andstillthyruthlesseyehasflash'd,Thystronghanddidnotsave;I'veseensomeo'erthemountain'sbrowSustain'dawhilebythee,O'errocksoficeandhillsofsnowBoundfearless,wild,andfree.
Boldandexultantwastheirmien,Whilethoudidstcheerthemon;
Buteveningfell,--andthen,Iween,Theirfaithlessguidewasgone.Alas!howfaredthyfavouritesthen,--Lone,helpless,weary,cold?DideverwandererfindagainThepathheleftofold?
Whereistheirglory,wheretheprideThatswelledtheirheartsbefore?WherenowthecouragethatdefiedThemightiesttempest'sroar?Whatshalltheydowhennightgrowsblack,Whenangrystormsarise?
WhonowwillleadthemtothetrackThoutaught'stthemtodespise?
SpiritofPride,itneedsnotthisTomakemeshunthywiles,Renouncethytriumphandthybliss,Thyhonoursandthysmiles!Brightasthouart,andbold,andstrong,Thatfierceglancewinsnotme,AndIabhorthyscoffingtongue--
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Iwillnotfollowthee!
SpiritofFaith!bethoumyguide,Oclaspmyhandinthine,Andletmeneverquitthyside;Thycomfortsaredivine!Earthcallstheeblind,misguidedone,--ButwhocanshewliketheeForgottenthingsthathavebeendone,Andthingsthataretobe?
Secretsconceal'dfromNature'sken,Wholiketheecandeclare?OrwholiketheetoerringmenGod'sholywillcanbear?Pridescornstheeforthylowlymien,--ButwholiketheecanriseAbovethistoilsome,sordidscene,Beyondtheholyskies?
Meekisthineeyeandsoftthyvoice,Butwondrousisthymight,Tomakethewretchedsoulrejoice,Togivethesimplelight!
AndstilltoallthatseekthywayThismagicpowerisgiven,--E'enwhiletheirfootstepspresstheclay,Theirsoulsascendtoheaven.
Dangersurroundsthem,--painandwoeTheirportionheremustbe,ButonlytheythattrusttheeknowWhatcomfortdwellswiththee;Strengthtosustaintheirdroopingpow'rs,Andvigourtodefend,--Thoupole-starofmydarkesthoursAffliction'sfirmestfriend!
Daydoesnotalwaysmarkourway,Night'sshadowsoftappal,Butleadme,andIcannotstray,--Holdme,Ishallnotfall;Sustainme,Ishallneverfaint,Howroughsoe'ermaybeMyupwardroad,--normoan,norplaintShallmarmytrustinthee.
Narrowthepathbywhichwego,AndoftitturnsasideFrompleasantmeadswhererosesblow,
Andpeacefulwatersglide;Wherefloweryturfliesgreenandsoft,Andgentlegalesaresweet,Towheredarkmountainsfrownaloft,Hardrocksdistressthefeet,--
Desertsbeyondliebleakandbare,Andkeenwindsroundusblow;Butifthyhandconductsmethere,Thewayisright,Iknow.
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Ihavenowishtoturnaway;Myspiritdoesnotquail,--HowcanitwhileIheartheesay,"Pressforwardandprevail!"
Evenabovethetempest'sswellIhearthyvoiceoflove,--Ofhopeandpeace,Iheartheetell,Andthatblesthomeabove;ThroughpainanddeathIcanrejoice.Ifbutthystrengthbemine,--Earthhathnomusiclikethyvoice,Lifeownsnojoylikethine!
SpiritofFaith,I'llgowiththee!Thou,ifIholdtheefast,Wiltguide,defend,andstrengthenme,Andbearmehomeatlast;BythyhelpallthingsIcando,Inthystrengthallthingsbear,--Teachme,forthouartjustandtrue,Smileonme,thouartfair!
IhavegiventhelastmementoofmysisterEmily;thisisthelastofmysisterAnne:--
Ihoped,thatwiththebraveandstrong,Myportionedtaskmightlie;Totoilamidthebusythrong,Withpurposepureandhigh.
ButGodhasfixedanotherpart,AndHehasfixeditwell;
Isaidsowithmybleedingheart,Whenfirsttheanguishfell.
Thou,God,hasttakenourdelight,Ourtreasuredhopeaway:Thoubid'stusnowweepthroughthenightAndsorrowthroughtheday.
Thesewearyhourswillnotbelost,Thesedaysofmisery,Thesenightsofdarkness,anguish-tost,CanIbutturntoThee.
WithsecretlabourtosustainInhumblepatienceeveryblow;Togatherfortitudefrompain,Andhopeandholinessfromwoe.
ThusletmeserveTheefrommyheart,Whate'ermaybemywrittenfate:Whetherthusearlytodepart,Oryetawhiletowait.
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IfThoushouldstbringmebacktolife,MorehumbledIshouldbe;Morewise--morestrengthenedforthestrife--MoreapttoleanonThee.
Shoulddeathbestandingatthegate,ThusshouldIkeepmyvow:But,Lord!whateverbemyfate,Oh,letmeserveTheenow!
Theselineswritten,thedeskwasclosed,thepenlaidaside--forever.
EndofTheProjectGutenbergEtextofPoems,bytheBronteSisters