ELEGIAC STANZAS ON A SON AND DAUGHTER.

In Merrion, by Eblana’s bay, They sleep beneath a spreading tree; No voices from the public way Shall break their deep tranquillity. Clontarf may bloom, and gloomy Howth Behold the white sail passing by, But never shall the spring-time growth Or stately bark delight their eye. Clontarf may live, a magic name, To call up recollections dear— But never shall great Brian’s fame Delight the sleeper’s heedless ear. They fell, ere reason’s dawn arose— They, sinless, felt affliction’s rod; Oh, who can tell their wordless woes Before they reached the throne of God? What being o’er the cradle leans, Where innocence in anguish lies; Writhing in its untold pains— That feels not awful thoughts arise! ’Tis dreadful eloquence to all Whose hearts are not of marble stone— Such eloquence as could not fall E’en from the tongue of Massillon. Their ills are o’er—a father’s cares— A mother’s throes—a mother’s fears— A wily world with all its snares, Shall ne’er begloom their joyless years. They sleep in Merrion by the bay, From passions, care, and sorrow free; No voices from the public way Shall break their deep tranquillity. T.