MEMORY.

"And other days come back to me With recollected music."—BYRON.

How memory's boundless store is fraught With wonders, mystic and sublime! Bright gleams, that oft we set at nought; Sweet messengers from Heaven's own clime. The wind that stirs the boughs at eve— A star that glimmers in the blue Of nights gemm'd crown, oftimes may wreathe A halo, strangely sweet and new. Round hopes and fears we used to know In life's young morning, long ago.

The cadence of the sighing waves That break in song along the shore, The winds that sigh thro', hidden caves Are echoes from the days of yore. The moonlight, stealing o'er the sea, So calm, above the restless tide, Is like the light that used to be In many a by-gone eventide, As memory comes, and paints each scene, Of loves and joys that once have been.

We feel the power, and own the spell, That bid the lonely spirit stray, In thought, to where our lost ones dwell, Now from our paths so far away We say "'tis dreams that Fancy brings," And go our way, forgetting still; But on the winds are angels' wings, And spirit power, our souls that thrill With yearning for that life unseen, Hid far behind this mortal screen.

For Memory still with subtle art Unfolds the bygone to our eyes, And still the lonely, longing heart Would soar beyond earth's mysteries, Till wearied grown of useless tears, And longing for the olden days, We turn to see the future years Lie smiling 'neath hope's rosy haze, And view the past with hopeful love, Made sure our life is "hid above."—

Hid far away from mortal ken,— These wonderous gleams that round us stray, These meteors, 'mong the haunts of men, These holy thoughts, that day by day, Shine in their light of Heavenly hue O'er chequered paths of work and love, Refreshing as the tender dew, Are stray-beams from the light above Men call it Memory, but we know 'Tis Heaven's warm light on earth's cold snow!

TWILIGHT.

Twilight's shades are round me creeping, Nature dons her robe of gray; Through the blue the stars are peeping, Sunset's last, faint streaks decay.

Visions come of bygone hours, Ere these eyes were dimmed by tears, Youth's bright scenes unwreathed with flowers Dimly seen through mist of years.

Softly through the summer gloaming Steals this picture of the past; Through the wood the breeze is roaming Moon beams round their shadows cast.

By the murmuring, flowing river, Sits a maiden waiting there; Graven on my heart forever Is that form of beauty rare!

Vows are plighted, love is given, Trusting love without alloy, And the calm, blue, starry heaven Whispers but of truth and joy!

By the murmuring, flowing river, Where the shore the waters lave, Now the moon beams fall and quiver On a green and lonely grave!

Token sad of fond love slighted, Of a rose cut down in bloom, Of a fair young blossom blighted All too lovely for the tomb.

Softly through the summer gloaming Sighs the breeze a requiem low, And my sad heart, ever moaning Answers to its tones of woe!