114

SCENE AFTER A SUMMER SHOWER.

The sun breaks forth; from off the scene
Its floating veil of mist is flung;
And all the wilderness of green

With trembling drops of light is hung.

Now gaze on Nature—yet the same-
Glowing with life, by breezes fanned,
Luxuriant, lovely, as she came,

Fresh in her youth, from God's own hand.

Hear the rich music of that voice,

Which sounds from all below, above;

She calls her children to rejoice,

And round them throws her arms of love.

Drink in her influence; low-born care,

And all the train of mean desire,

Refuse to breathe this holy air,

And 'mid this living light expire.

116

THE PLEASURE BOAT.

No danger reach so fair a crew!
Thou goddess of the foam,
I'll ever pay thee worship due,
If thou wilt bring them home.

Fair ladies, fairer than the spray
The prow is dashing wide,
Soft breezes take you on your way,
Soft flow the blessed tide!

O, might I like those breezes be,
And touch that arching brow,

I'd toil for ever on the sea

Where ye are floating now.

The boat goes tilting on the waves;

The waves go tilting by;

There dips the duck;-her back she laves;

O'er head the sea-gulls fly.

Now, like the gulls that dart for prey,

The little vessel stoops;

Now rising, shoots along her way,

Like them, in easy swoops.

The sun-light falling on her sheet,

It glitters like the drift

THE PLEASURE BOAT.

Sparkling in scorn of summer's heat,
High up some mountain rift.

The winds are fresh; she's driving fast
Upon the bending tide,

The crinkling sail, and crinkling mast,
Go with her side by side.

117

118

THE PLEASURE BOAT.

From that far isle the thresher's flail

Strikes close upon the ear;

The leaping fish, the swinging sail

Of yonder sloop sound near.