SONNETS.
Reading edition
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BY ALFRED B. STREET.
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I.—CELINE.
Those deep, delicious, heavy-lidded eyes
Oh, I could bask forever in their light!
What raptures, sweet, heart-thrilling raptures, rise
Whene’er I pierce their depths with eager sight!
The profile pure and soft—the bright full face—
The cupid mouth with rows of flashing pearls—
The waist so dainty—step of gliding grace—
White brow—curved hair, more beautiful than curls,
All make her sweetest, loveliest of girls.
Her breath is balmier than May’s downiest breeze;
Rosier than rose-buds are her moist, plump lips;
Than the pure nectar there, no purer sips
The clinging bee—all beauty’s harmonies
Are in her sweetly blent—all hearts her graces seize.
II.—THE LESSONS OF NATURE.
Nature in outward seeming takes the hue
Of our chance mood; if sad, her tones and looks
Are full of grief; if glad, her winds and brooks
Are full of merriment. But piercing through
Her outward garb, her sadness whispers “Peace—
Peace to thee, mourner! day succeeds to night,
Sunshine to storm!” Her brightest mirth says “Cease
This thoughtless rapture! flowers must suffer blight,
Change is my law of order.” Then a voice
Swells from her deep and solemn heart, “Rejoice
With purer joy, ye mirthful! and be glad
With a sustaining, steadfast faith, ye sad!
In this swift, changeful life, whate’er befall
(Blest truth) a watchful God of love is over all!”