RE the wide waters on my view had smiled, From inland vale, in sunset's shapeful hue, Oft Fancy traced their level line of blue, And pictured cliffs where golden clouds were piled; Often the Sea-bird's wail my mind beguiled, I loved the boisterous home from which they flew : From out dark pines when winds loud murmurs drew, Methought I heard the waves in chorus wild. At length I blest a Brother's guiding hand, The goal was reached, and as I stood entranced, A new world viewing from the lofty land, Sudden-around the precipice that veils The western sky, a warrior-ship advanced,— On the blue waste a Pyramid of Sails. WAS near the walls that gird the imperial town, I saw, whilst Tiber glowed beneath my feet, From heaven's illumined vault the Sun go down; The lofty Capitol, like burnished crown, The Plain in purple haze lay slumbering deep, Man, here alas! for ages overthrown, With no gleam kindles, sunk in deathlike sleep, THOU! whose golden reins curb steeds of fire, Blest be the rosy hours that onward bring Thy glorious pomp, now Night with folded wing Hides in her cave, and heaven's pale host retire: Fresh from their flowery beds the gales respire, Now Ocean shines distinct, the bark unmoors; And hopeful Man, as on thy state is roll'd, A deeper dye, and ripens fruits of gold. THE EVENING CLOUD. CLOUD lay cradled near the setting sun; O'er the still radiance of the lake below; Even in its very motion there was rest; While every breath of eve that chanced to blow Wafted the traveller to the beauteous west. To whose white robe the gleam of bliss is given ; And by the breath of mercy made to roll Right onward to the golden gates of Heaven ; Where to the eye of Faith it peaceful lies, And tells to man his glorious destinies. O up among the mountains, when the storm And thro' the haunted air, each giant form The memory of the human world is gone, O, worship thou the visions then made known, While sable glooms round Nature's temple roll, And her dread anthem peals into thy soul ! |