"When your servants, tired of seeing "But that look of childish sorrow "Dazzled by the fragrant treasure "So he crept to his poor garret; Poor no more, but rich and bright, For the holy dreams of childhood Love, and Rest, and Hope, and LightFloated round the orphan's pillow 66 Through the starry summer night. Day dawned, yet the visions lasted; Did he dream that none spake harshly, Must have charmed all ills away. “And he smiled, though they were fading; One by one their leaves were shed; 'Such bright things could never perish, They would bloom again,' he said. When the next day's sun had risen Child and flowers both were dead. "Know, dear little one! our Father So the angel ceased, and gently Thus the radiant angel answered, And with tender meaning smiled: "Ere your childlike, loving spirit, Sin and the hard world defiled, God has given me leave to seek you, I was once that little child! In the church-yard of that city And a humble grave beside it, No one knew who rested there. ECHOES. TILL the angel stars are shining, Hark! the echoes murmur low, Still the wood is dim and lonely, Still the bird of night complaineth, Do I call and call in vain ? Cease, O echoes, mournful echoes! A FALSE GENIUS. SEE a Spirit by thy side, Though he seem so bright and fair, If he bid thee dwell apart, In self-worship wrapped alone, Dreaming thy poor griefs are grown More than other men have known; Dwelling in some cloudy sphere, Though God's work is waiting here, And God deigneth to be near; If his torch's crimson glare Tainting all the wholesome air; While with strange distorted choice, Still disdaining to rejoice, Thou wilt hear a wailing voice; If a simple, humble heart If he bid thee bow before And with starry veil enfold Till his scales shine out like gold; Though his words seem true and wise, Soul, I say to thee, Arise, He is a Demon in disguise! MY PICTURE. TAND this way- more near the win dow By my desk you see the light Thus I see it while I write ! Who the head may be I know not, With a look half sad, half stately, Grave sweet eyes and flowing hair. |