The dawn is up-the guest is gone, SONG OF THE VIOLET. A HUMBLE flower long time I pined And trembled at the angry wind, And shrunk before the bitter rain. And oh! 'twas in a blessed hour A passing wanderer chanced to see, And, pitying the lonely flower, To stoop and gather me. I fear no more the tempest rude, To deck the breast of Caroline. It draws the fragrance from my leaves. An hour to rest on that sweet breast, FAIRY DAYS. BESIDE the old hall-fire-upon my nurse's knee, Of happy fairy days-what tales were told to me! I thought the world was once-all peopled with princesses, And my heart would beat to hear-their loves and their distresses; And many a quiet night,-in slumber sweet and deep, The pretty fairy people-would visit me in sleep. I saw them in my dreams-come flying east and west, With wondrous fairy gifts-the new-born babe they bless'd; One has brought a jewel-and one a crown of gold, And one has brought a curse-but she is wrinkled and old. The gentle queen turns pale-to hear those words of sin, But the king he only laughs—and bids the dance begin. The babe has grown to be-the fairest of the land, And rides the forest green-a hawk upon her hand, An ambling palfrey white-a golden robe and crown: I've seen her in my dreams-riding up and down: And heard the ogre laugh-as she fell into his snare, At the little tender creature-who wept and tore her hair! But ever when it seemed-her need was at the sorest, A prince in shining mail-comes prancing through the forest, A waving ostrich-plume-a buckler burnished bright; I've seen him in my dreams-good sooth! a gallant knight. His lips are coral red-beneath a dark mustache; See how he waves his hand-and how his blue eyes flash! "Come forth, thou Paynim knight !"-he shouts in accents clear. The giant and the maid-both tremble his voice to hear. Saint Mary guard him well!-he draws his falchion keen, The giant and the knight—are fighting on the green. I see them in my dreams—his blade gives stroke on stroke, The giant pants and reels—and tumbles like an oak! With what a blushing grace-he falls upon his knee And takes the lady's hand- and whispers, "You are free !" Ah! happy childish tales-of knight and faërie ! I waken from my dreams-but there's ne'er a knight for me; I waken from my dreams-and wish that I could be A child by the old hall-fire-upon my nurse's knee ! POCAHONTAS. WEARIED arm and broken sword Through the wilderness resounds, Now they heap the fatal pyre, Who will shield the captive knight? Round the stake with fiendish cry Wheel and dance the savage crowd, Cold the victim's mien, and proud, And his breast is bared to die. Who will shield the fearless heart? Who avert the murderous blade? From the throng, with sudden start, See there springs an Indian maid. Quick she stands before the knight: Loose the chain, unbind the ring; I am daughter of the king, And I claim the Indian right!" Dauntlessly aside she flings Lifted axe and thirsty knife; FROM POCAHONTAS. RETURNING from the cruel fight 'Why seek, my love, your wounds to hide? Or deem your English girl afraid To emulate the Indian maid?" Be mine my husband's grief to cheer, THE LEGEND OF ST. SOPHIA OF KIOFF. AN EPIC POEM, IN TWENTY BOOKS. I. [The poet describes the city and spelling of Kiow, Kioff, or Kiova.] A THOUSAND years ago, or more, |