AN ALBUM FRAGMENT.

What is life, but a vision! The forms which have spread Their enchantment around us, and gladdened our day, Like the vanishing vapors of morning have fled, Or like eve's sun-gilt clouds, they are passing away. And when Youth's cherished hopes shall have faded and gone, And this turbulent dream of existence is o'er— When life's sparkling current hath ceased to flow on, And the place which now knows me will know me no more— Then bright on this page be engraven my name, And long may it live, when my being is past; Let others contend for a loftier fame, No nobler, no dearer, no other, I ask. Here perchance shouldst thou see it, forgotten, unknown, Oh! hallow that name with the dew of a tear! Far sweeter the tribute, than tale-telling stone, Which Pride, or Ambition, or Folly might rear.