Part 2 — RECORDS OF WOMAN.

“Mightier far Than strength of nerve and sinew, or the sway Of magic, potent over sun and star, Is love, though oft to agony distrest, And though his favourite seat be feeble woman’s breast.” Wordsworth.

“Das ist sas Loos des Schonen auf der erde.” Schiller.

“And is not love in vain Torture enough without a living tomb?” Byron.

“Fermossi al fin il cor che balzo tanto.” Pindemonte.

Twas but a dream! I saw the stag leap free, Under the boughs where early birds were singing; I stood o’ershadow’d by the greenwood tree, And heard, it seem’d, a sudden bugle ringing Far through a royal forest. Then the fawn Shot, like a gleam of light, from grassy lawn To secret covert; and the smooth turf shook, And lilies quiver’d by the glade’s lone brook, And young leaves trembled, as, in fleet career, A princely band, with horn, and hound, and spear, Like a rich masque swept forth. I saw the dance Of their white plumes, that bore a silvery glance Into the deep wood’s heart; and all pass’d by Save one—I met the smile of one clear eye, Flashing out joy to mine. Yes, thou wert there, Seymour! A soft wind blew the clustering hair Back from thy gallant brow, as thou didst rein Thy courser, turning from that gorgeous train, And fling, methought, thy hunting spear away, And, lightly graceful in thy green array, Bound to my side. And we, that met and parted Ever in dread of some dark watchful power, Won back to childhood’s trust, and fearless-hearted, Blent the glad fulness of our thoughts that hour Even like the mingling of sweet streams, beneath Dim woven leaves, and midst the floating breath Of hidden forest-flowers.

’Tis past! I wake, A captive, and alone, and far from thee, My love and friend! Yet fostering, for thy sake, A quenchless hope of happiness to be; And feeling still my woman-spirit strong, In the deep faith which lifts from earthly wrong A heavenward glance. I know, I know our love Shall yet call gentle angels from above, By its undying fervour, and prevail— Sending a breath, as of the spring’s first gale, Through hearts now cold; and, raising its bright face, With a free gush of sunny tears, erase The characters of anguish. In this trust, I bear, I strive, I bow not to the dust, That I may bring thee back no faded form, No bosom chill’d and blighted by the storm, But all my youth’s first treasures, when we meet, Making past sorrow, by communion, sweet.

And thou too art in bonds! Yet droop thou not, O my beloved! there is one hopeless lot, But one, and that not ours. Beside the dead There sits the grief that mantles up its head, Loathing the laughter and proud pomp of light, When darkness, from the vainly doting sight Covers its beautiful![342] If thou wert gone To the grave’s bosom, with thy radiant brow— If thy deep-thrilling voice, with that low tone Of earnest tenderness, which now, even now Seems floating through my soul, were music taken For ever from this world—oh! thus forsaken Could I bear on? Thou livest, thou livest, thou’rt mine! With this glad thought I make my heart a shrine, And by the lamp which quenchless there shall burn, Sit a lone watcher for the day’s return.

And lo! the joy that cometh with the morning, Brightly victorious o’er the hours of care! I have not watch’d in vain, serenely scorning The wild and busy whispers of despair! Thou hast sent tidings, as of heaven—I wait The hour, the sign, for blessed flight to thee. Oh! for the skylark’s wing that seeks its mate As a star shoots!—but on the breezy sea We shall meet soon. To think of such an hour! Will not my heart, o’erburden’d by its bliss, Faint and give way within me, as a flower Borne down and perishing by noontide’s kiss? Yet shall I fear that lot—the perfect rest, The full deep joy of dying on thy breast, After long suffering won? So rich a close Too seldom crowns with peace affection’s woes.

Sunset! I tell each moment. From the skies The last red splendour floats along my wall, Like a king’s banner! Now it melts, it dies! I see one star—I hear—’twas not the call, Th’ expected voice; my quick heart throbb’d too soon. I must keep vigil till yon rising moon Shower down less golden light. Beneath her beam Through my lone lattice pour’d, I sit and dream Of summer lands afar, where holy love, Under the vine or in the citron grove, May breathe from terror. Now the night grows deep, And silent as its clouds, and full of sleep. I hear my veins beat. Hark! a bell’s slow chime! My heart strikes with it. Yet again—’tis time! A step!—a voice!—or but a rising breeze? Hark!—haste!—I come to meet thee on the seas!

Now never more, oh! never, in the worth Of its pure cause, let sorrowing love on earth Trust fondly—never more! The hope is crush’d That lit my life, the voice within me hush’d That spoke sweet oracles; and I return To lay my youth, as in a burial urn, Where sunshine may not find it. All is lost! No tempest met our barks—no billow toss’d; Yet were they sever’d, even as we must be, That so have loved, so striven our hearts to free From their close-coiling fate! In vain—in vain! The dark links meet, and clasp themselves again, And press out life. Upon the deck I stood, And a white sail came gliding o’er the flood, Like some proud bird of ocean; then mine eye Strain’d out, one moment earlier to descry The form it ached for, and the bark’s career Seem’d slow to that fond yearning: it drew near, Fraught with our foes! What boots it to recall The strife, the tears? Once more a prison wall Shuts the green hills and woodlands from my sight, And joyous glance of waters to the light, And thee, my Seymour!—thee! I will not sink! Thou, thou hast rent the heavy chain that bound thee! And this shall be my strength—the joy to think That thou may’st wander with heaven’s breath around thee, And all the laughing sky! This thought shall yet Shine o’er my heart a radiant amulet, Guarding it from despair. Thy bonds are broken; And unto me, I know, thy true love’s token Shall one day be deliverance, though the years Lie dim between, o’erhung with mists of tears.

My friend! my friend! where art thou? Day by day, Gliding like some dark mournful stream away, My silent youth flows from me. Spring, the while, Comes and rains beauty on the kindling boughs Round hall and hamlet; summer with her smile Fills the green forest; young hearts breathe their vows; Brothers long parted meet; fair children rise Round the glad board; hope laughs from loving eyes: All this is in the world!—these joys lie sown, The dew of every path! On one alone Their freshness may not fall—the stricken deer Dying of thirst with all the waters near.

Ye are from dingle and fresh glade, ye flowers! By some kind hand to cheer my dungeon sent; O’er you the oak shed down the summer showers, And the lark’s nest was where your bright cups bent, Quivering to breeze and raindrop, like the sheen Of twilight stars. On you heaven’s eye hath been, Through the leaves pouring its dark sultry blue Into your glowing hearts; the bee to you Hath murmur’d, and the rill. My soul grows faint With passionate yearning, as its quick dreams paint Your haunts by dell and stream—the green, the free, The full of all sweet sound—the shut from me!

There went a swift bird singing past my cell—— O Love and Freedom! ye are lovely things! With you the peasant on the hills may dwell, And by the streams. But I—the blood of kings, A proud unmingling river, through my veins Flows in lone brightness, and its gifts are chains! Kings!—I had silent visions of deep bliss, Leaving their thrones far distant; and for this I am cast under their triumphal car, An insect to be crush’d! Oh! heaven is far— Earth pitiless! Dost thou forget me, Seymour? I am proved So long, so sternly! Seymour, my beloved! There are such tales of holy marvels done By strong affection, of deliverance won Through its prevailing power! Are these things told Till the young weep with rapture, and the old Wonder, yet dare not doubt; and thou! oh, thou! Dost thou forget me in my hope’s decay?— Thou canst not! Through the silent night, even now, I, that need prayer so much, awake and pray Still first for thee. O gentle, gentle friend! How shall I bear this anguish to the end? Aid!—comes there yet no aid? The voice of blood Passes heaven’s gate, even ere the crimson flood Sinks through the greensward! Is there not a cry From the wrung heart, of power, through agony, To pierce the clouds? Hear, Mercy!—hear me! None That bleed and weep beneath the smiling sun Have heavier cause! Yet hear!—my soul grows dark!—— Who hears the last shriek from the sinking bark On the mid seas, and with the storm alone, And bearing to the abyss, unseen, unknown, Its freight of human hearts? Th’ o’ermastering wave! Who shall tell how it rush’d—and none to save! Thou hast forsaken me! I feel, I know, There would be rescue if this were not so. Thou’rt at the chase, thou’rt at the festive board, Thou’rt where the red wine free and high is pour’d, Thou’rt where the dancers meet! A magic glass Is set within my soul, and proud shapes pass, Flushing it o’er with pomp from bower and hall: I see one shadow, stateliest there of all— Thine! What dost thou amidst the bright and fair, Whispering light words, and mocking my despair? It is not well of thee! My love was more Than fiery song may breathe, deep thought explore; And there thou smilest, while my heart is dying, With all its blighted hopes around it lying: Even thou, on whom they hung their last green leaf—— Yet smile, smile on! too bright art thou for grief! Death! What! is death a lock’d and treasured thing, Guarded by swords of fire?[343] a hidden spring, A fabled fruit, that I should thus endure, As if the world within me held no cure? Wherefore not spread free wings——Heaven, heaven! control These thoughts!—they rush—I look into my soul As down a gulf, and tremble at the array Of fierce forms crowding it! Give strength to pray! So shall their dark host pass. The storm is still’d. Father in Heaven! thou, only thou, canst sound The heart’s great deep, with floods of anguish fill’d, For human line too fearfully profound. Therefore, forgive, my Father! if thy child, Rock’d on its heaving darkness, hath grown wild, And sinn’d in her despair! It well may be That thou wouldst lead my spirit back to thee, By the crush’d hope too long on this world pour’d— The stricken love which hath perchance adored A mortal in thy place! Now let me strive With thy strong arm no more! Forgive, forgive! Take me to peace! And peace at last is nigh. A sign is on my brow, a token sent Th’ o’erwearied dust from home: no breeze flits by, But calls me with a strange sweet whisper, blent Of many mysteries. Hark! the warning tone Deepens—its word is Death! Alone, alone, And sad in youth, but chasten’d, I depart, Bowing to heaven. Yet, yet my woman’s heart Shall wake a spirit and a power to bless, Even in this hour’s o’ershadowing fearfulness, Thee, its first love! O tender still, and true! Be it forgotten if mine anguish threw Drops from its bitter fountain on thy name, Though but a moment! Now, with fainting frame, With soul just lingering on the flight begun, To bind for thee its last dim thoughts in one, I bless thee! Peace be on thy noble head, Years of bright fame, when I am with the dead! I bid this prayer survive me, and retain Its might, again to bless thee, and again! Thou hast been gather’d into my dark fate Too much; too long, for my sake, desolate Hath been thine exiled youth: but now take back, From dying hands, thy freedom, and retrack (After a few kind tears for her whose days Went out in dreams of thee) the sunny ways Of hope, and find thou happiness! Yet send Even then, in silent hours, a thought, dear friend! Down to my voiceless chamber; for thy love Hath been to me all gifts of earth above, Though bought with burning tears! It is the sting Of death to leave that vainly-precious thing In this cold world! What were it, then, if thou, With thy fond eyes, wert gazing on me now? Too keen a pang! Farewell! and yet once more, Farewell! The passion of long years I pour Into that word! Thou hear’st not—but the woe And fervour of its tones may one day flow To thy heart’s holy place: there let them dwell. We shall o’ersweep the grave to meet. Farewell!

“Fear! I’m a Greek, and how should I fear death? A slave, and wherefore should I dread my freedom? ... I will not live degraded.” Sardanapalus.

Come from the woods with the citron-flowers, Come with your lyres for the festal hours, Maids of bright Scio! They came, and the breeze Bore their sweet songs o’er the Grecian seas; They came, and Eudora stood robed and crown’d, The bride of the morn, with her train around. Jewels flash’d out from her braided hair, Like starry dews midst the roses there; Pearls on her bosom quivering shone, Heaved by her heart through its golden zone. But a brow, as those gems of the ocean pale, Gleam’d from beneath her transparent veil; Changeful and faint was her fair cheek’s hue, Though clear as a flower which the light looks through; And the glance of her dark resplendent eye, For the aspect of woman at times too high, Lay floating in mists, which the troubled stream Of the soul sent up o’er its fervid beam. She look’d on the vine at her father’s door, Like one that is leaving his native shore; She hung o’er the myrtle once call’d her own, As it greenly waved by the threshold stone; She turn’d—and her mother’s gaze brought back Each hue of her childhood’s faded track. Oh! hush the song, and let her tears Flow to the dream of her early years! Holy and pure are the drops that fall When the young bride goes from her father’s hall; She goes unto love yet untried and new, She parts from love which hath still been true: Mute be the song and the choral strain, Till her heart’s deep well-spring is clear again! She wept on her mother’s faithful breast, Like a babe that sobs itself to rest; She wept—yet laid her hand awhile In his that waited her dawning smile— Her soul’s affianced, nor cherish’d less For the gush of nature’s tenderness! She lifted her graceful head at last— The choking swell of her heart was past; And her lovely thoughts from their cells found way In the sudden flow of a plaintive lay.[345]

Why do I weep? To leave the vine Whose clusters o’er me bend; The myrtle—yet, oh call it mine!— The flowers I loved to tend. A thousand thoughts of all things dear Like shadows o’er me sweep; I leave my sunny childhood here, Oh! therefore let me weep! I leave thee, sister! We have play’d Through many a joyous hour, Where the silvery green of the olive shade Hung dim o’er fount and bower. Yes! thou and I, by stream, by shore, In song, in prayer, in sleep, Have been as we may be no more— Kind sister, let me weep! I leave thee, father! Eve’s bright moon Must now light other feet, With the gather’d grapes, and the lyre in tune, Thy homeward step to greet. Thou in whose voice, to bless thy child, Lay tones of love so deep, Whose eye o’er all my youth hath smiled— I leave thee! let me weep! Mother! I leave thee! On thy breast Pouring out joy and woe, I have found that holy place of rest Still changeless—yet I go! Lips, that have lull’d me with your strain! Eyes, that have watch’d my sleep! Will earth give love like yours again?— Sweet mother! let me weep! And like a slight young tree, that throws The weight of rain from its drooping boughs, Once more she wept. But a changeful thing Is the human heart—as a mountain spring That works its way, through the torrent’s foam, To the bright pool near it, the lily’s home! It is well!—The cloud on her soul that lay, Hath melted in glittering drops away. Wake again, mingle, sweet flute and lyre! She turns to her lover, she leaves her sire. Mother! on earth it must still be so: Thou rearest the lovely to see them go! They are moving onward, the bridal throng, Ye may track their way by the swells of song; Ye may catch through the foliage their white robes’ gleam, Like a swan midst the reeds of a shadowy stream; Their arms bear up garlands, their gliding tread Is over the deep-vein’d violet’s bed; They have light leaves around them, blue skies above, An arch for the triumph of youth and love!

Still and sweet was the home that stood In the flowering depths of a Grecian wood, With the soft green light o’er its low roof spread, As if from the glow of an emerald shed, Pouring through lime-leaves that mingled on high, Asleep in the silence of noon’s clear sky. Citrons amidst their dark foliage glow’d, Making a gleam round the lone abode; Laurels o’erhung it, whose faintest shiver Scatter’d out rays like a glancing river; Stars of the jasmine its pillars crown’d, Vine-stalks its lattice and walls had bound; And brightly before it a fountain’s play Flung showers through a thicket of glossy bay, To a cypress which rose in that flashing rain, Like one tall shaft of some fallen fane. And thither Ianthis had brought his bride, And the guests were met by that fountain side. They lifted the veil from Eudora’s face— It smiled out softly in pensive grace, With lips of love, and a brow serene, Meet for the soul of the deep wood-scene. Bring wine, bring odours!—the board is spread; Bring roses! a chaplet for every head! The wine-cups foam’d, and the rose was shower’d On the young and fair from the world embower’d; The sun look’d not on them in that sweet shade, The winds amid scented boughs were laid; And there came by fits, through some wavy tree, A sound and a gleam of the moaning sea. Hush! be still! Was that no more Than the murmur from the shore? Silence!—did thick rain-drops beat On the grass like trampling feet? Fling down the goblet, and draw the sword! The groves are fill’d with a pirate horde! Through the dim olives their sabres shine!— Now must the red blood stream for wine! The youths from the banquet to battle sprang, The woods with the shriek of the maidens rang; Under the golden-fruited boughs There were flashing poniards and darkening brows— Footsteps, o’er garland and lyre that fled, And the dying soon on a greensward bed. Eudora, Eudora! thou dost not fly!— She saw but Ianthis before her lie, With the blood from his breast in a gushing flow, Like a child’s large tears in its hour of woe, And a gathering film in his lifted eye, That sought his young bride out mournfully. She knelt down beside him—her arms she wound Like tendrils, his drooping neck around, As if the passion of that fond grasp Might chain in life with its ivy-clasp. But they tore her thence in her wild despair, The sea’s fierce rovers—they left him there: They left to the fountain a dark-red vein, And on the wet violets a pile of slain, And a hush of fear through the summer grove.— So closed the triumph of youth and love!

Gloomy lay the shore that night, When the moon, with sleeping light, Bathed each purple Sciote hill— Gloomy lay the shore, and still. O’er the wave no gay guitar Sent its floating music far; No glad sound of dancing feet Woke the starry hours to greet. But a voice of mortal woe, In its changes wild or low, Through the midnight’s blue repose, From the sea-beat rocks arose, As Eudora’s mother stood Gazing o’er th’ Ægean flood, With a fix’d and straining eye— Oh! was the spoilers’ vessel nigh? Yes! there, becalm’d in silent sleep, Dark and alone on a breathless deep, On a sea of molten silver, dark Brooding it frown’d, that evil bark! There its broad pennon a shadow cast, Moveless and black from the tall still mast; And the heavy sound of its flapping sail Idly and vainly woo’d the gale. Hush’d was all else—had ocean’s breast Rock’d e’en Eudora that hour to rest? To rest? The waves tremble!—what piercing cry Bursts from the heart of the ship on high? What light through the heavens, in a sudden spire, Shoots from the deck up? Fire! ’tis fire! There are wild forms hurrying to and fro, Seen darkly clear on that lurid glow; There are shout, and signal-gun, and call, And the dashing of water—but fruitless all! Man may not fetter, nor ocean tame The might and wrath of the rushing flame! It hath twined the mast like a glittering snake, That coils up a tree from a dusky brake; It hath touch’d the sails, and their canvass rolls Away from its breath into shrivell’d scrolls; It hath taken the flag’s high place in the air, And redden’d the stars with its wavy glare; And sent out bright arrows, and soar’d in glee, To a burning mount midst the moonlight sea. The swimmers are plunging from stern and prow— Eudora! Eudora! where, where art thou? The slave and his master alike are gone.— Mother! who stands on the deck alone? The child of thy bosom!—and lo! a brand Blazing up high in her lifted hand! And her veil flung back, and her free dark hair Sway’d by the flames as they rock and flare; And her fragile form to its loftiest height Dilated, as if by the spirit’s might; And her eye with an eagle-gladness fraught—— Oh! could this work be of woman wrought? Yes! ’twas her deed!—by that haughty smile, It was hers: she hath kindled her funeral pile! Never might shame on that bright head be: Her blood was the Greek’s, and hath made her free! Proudly she stands, like an Indian bride On the pyre with the holy dead beside; But a shriek from her mother hath caught her ear, As the flames to her marriage-robe draw near, And starting, she spreads her pale arms in vain To the form they must never infold again. —One moment more, and her hands are clasp’d— Fallen is the torch they had wildly grasp’d— Her sinking knee unto Heaven is bow’d, And her last look raised through the smoke’s dim shroud, And her lips as in prayer for her pardon move;— Now the night gathers o’er youth and love!

“Nor look nor tone revealeth aught Save woman’s quietness of thought; And yet around her is a light Of inward majesty and might.” M. J. J.

“Wer solch ein herz an sienen Busen druckt Der kann fur herd und hof mit freuden fechten.” WILLHELM TELL.

It was the time when children bound to meet Their father’s homeward step from field or hill, And when the herd’s returning bells are sweet In the Swiss valleys, and the lakes grow still, And the last note of that wild horn swells by Which haunts the exile’s heart with melody. And lovely smiled full many an Alpine home, Touch’d with the crimson of the dying hour, Which lit its low roof by the torrent’s foam, And pierced its lattice through the vine-hung bower; But one, the loveliest o’er the land that rose, Then first look’d mournful in its green repose. For Werner sat beneath the linden tree That sent its lulling whispers through his door, Even as man sits, whose heart alone would be With some deep care, and thus can find no more Th’ accustom’d joy in all which evening brings, Gathering a household with her quiet wings. His wife stood hush’d before him—sad, yet mild In her beseeching mien!—he mark’d it not. The silvery laughter of his bright-hair’d child Rang from the greensward round the shelter’d spot, But seem’d unheard; until at last the boy Raised from his heap’d up flowers a glance of joy, And met his father’s face. But then a change Pass’d swiftly o’er the brow of infant glee, And a quick sense of something dimly strange Brought him from play to stand beside the knee So often climb’d, and lift his loving eyes That shone through clouds of sorrowful surprise. Then the proud bosom of the strong man shook; But tenderly his babe’s fair mother laid Her hand on his, and with a pleading look, Through tears half-quivering, o’er him bent and said, “What grief, dear friend, hath made thy heart its prey— That thou shouldst turn thee from our love away? “It is too sad to see thee thus, my friend! Mark’st thou the wonder on thy boy’s fair brow, Missing the smile from thine? Oh, cheer thee! bend To his soft arms: unseal thy thoughts e’en now! Thou dost not kindly to withhold the share Of tried affection in thy secret care.” He look’d up into that sweet earnest face, But sternly, mournfully: not yet the band Was loosen’d from his soul; its inmost place Not yet unveil’d by love’s o’ermastering hand. “Speak low!” he cried, and pointed where on high The white Alps glitter’d through the solemn sky: “We must speak low amidst our ancient hills And their free torrents; for the days are come When tyranny lies couch’d by forest rills, And meets the shepherd in his mountain-home. Go, pour the wine of our own grapes in fear— Keep silence by the hearth! its foes are near. “The envy of th’ oppressor’s eye hath been Upon my heritage. I sit to-night Under my household tree, if not serene, Yet with the faces best beloved in sight: To-morrow eve may find me chain’d, and thee— How can I bear the boy’s young smiles to see?” The bright blood left that youthful mother’s cheek; Back on the linden stem she lean’d her form; And her lip trembled as it strove to speak, Like a frail harp-string shaken by the storm. ’Twas but a moment, and the faintness pass’d, And the free Alpine spirit woke at last. And she, that ever through her home had moved With the meek thoughtfulness and quiet smile Of woman, calmly loving and beloved, And timid in her happiness the while, Stood brightly forth, and steadfastly, that hour— Her clear glance kindling into sudden power. Ay, pale she stood, but with an eye of light, And took her fair child to her holy breast, And lifted her soft voice, that gather’d might As it found language:—“Are we thus oppress’d? Then must we rise upon our mountain-sod, And man must arm, and woman call on God! “I know what thou wouldst do;—and be it done! Thy soul is darken’d with its fears for me. Trust me to heaven, my husband! This, thy son, The babe whom I have borne thee, must be free! And the sweet memory of our pleasant hearth May well give strength—if aught be strong on earth. “Thou hast been brooding o’er the silent dread Of my desponding tears; now lift once more, My hunter of the hills! thy stately head, And let thine eagle glance my joy restore! I can bear all, but seeing thee subdued— Take to thee back thine own undaunted mood. “Go forth beside the waters, and along The chamois paths, and through the forests go; And tell, in burning words, thy tale of wrong To the brave hearts that midst the hamlets glow. God shall be with thee, my beloved! Away! Bless but thy child, and leave me—I can pray!” He sprang up, like a warrior youth awaking To clarion sounds upon the ringing air; He caught her to his heart, while proud tears breaking From his dark eyes fell o’er her braided hair; And “Worthy art thou,” was his joyous cry, “That man for thee should gird himself to die! “My bride, my wife, the mother of my child! Now shall thy name be armour to my heart: And this our land, by chains no more defiled, Be taught of thee to choose the better part! I go—thy spirit on my words shall dwell; Thy gentle voice shall stir the Alps. Farewell!” And thus they parted, by the quiet lake, In the clear starlight: he the strength to rouse Of the free hills; she, thoughtful for his sake, To rock her child beneath the whispering boughs, Singing its blue half-curtain’d eyes to sleep With a low hymn, amidst the stillness deep.

“Tell me no more, no more Of my soul’s lofty gifts! Are they not vain To quench its haunting thirst for happiness? Have I not loved, and striven, and fail’d to bind One true heart unto me, whereon my own Might find a resting-place, a home for all Its burden of affections? I depart, Unknown, though Fame goes with me; I must leave The earth unknown. Yet it may be that death Shall give my name a power to win such tears As would have made life precious.”

One dream of passion and of beauty more! And in its bright fulfilment let me pour My soul away! Let earth retain a trace Of that which lit my being, though its race Might have been loftier far. Yet one more dream! From my deep spirit one victorious gleam Ere I depart! For thee alone, for thee! May this last work, this farewell triumph be— Thou, loved so vainly! I would leave enshrined Something immortal of my heart and mind, That yet may speak to thee when I am gone, Shaking thine inmost bosom with a tone Of lost affection,—something that may prove What she hath been, whose melancholy love On thee was lavish’d; silent pang and tear, And fervent song that gush’d when none were near, And dream by night, and weary thought by day, Stealing the brightness from her life away— While thou——Awake! not yet within me die! Under the burden and the agony Of this vain tenderness—my spirit, wake! Even for thy sorrowful affection’s sake, Live! in thy work breathe out!—that he may yet, Feeling sad mastery there, perchance regret Thine unrequited gift.

It comes! the power Within me born flows back—my fruitless dower That could not win me love. Yet once again I greet it proudly, with its rushing train Of glorious images: they throng—they press— A sudden joy lights up my loneliness— I shall not perish all! The bright work grows Beneath my hand, unfolding, as a rose, Leaf after leaf, to beauty—line by line, Through the pale marble’s veins. It grows!—and now I fix my thought, heart, soul, to burn, to shine: I give my own life’s history to thy brow, Forsaken Ariadne!—thou shalt wear My form, my lineaments; but oh! more fair, Touch’d into lovelier being by the glow Which in me dwells, as by the summer light All things are glorified. From thee my woe Shall yet look beautiful to meet his sight, When I am pass’d away. Thou art the mould, Wherein I pour the fervent thoughts, th’ untold, The self-consuming! Speak to him of me, Thou, the deserted by the lonely sea, With the soft sadness of thine earnest eye— Speak to him, lorn one! deeply, mournfully, Of all my love and grief! Oh! could I throw Into thy frame a voice—a sweet, and low, And thrilling voice of song! when he came nigh, To send the passion of its melody Through his pierced bosom—on its tones to bear My life’s deep feeling, as the southern air Wafts the faint myrtle’s breath—to rise, to swell, To sink away in accents of farewell, Winning but one, one gush of tears, whose flow Surely my parted spirit yet might know, If love be strong as death!

Now fair thou art, Thou form, whose life is of my burning heart! Yet all the vision that within me wrought, I cannot make thee. Oh! I might have given Birth to creations of far nobler thought; I might have kindled, with the fire of heaven, Things not of such as die! But I have been Too much alone! A heart whereon to lean, With all these deep affections that o’erflow My aching soul, and find no shore below; An eye to be my star; a voice to bring Hope o’er my path like sounds that breathe of spring? These are denied me—dreamt of still in vain. Therefore my brief aspirings from the chain Are ever but as some wild fitful song, Rising triumphantly, to die ere long In dirge-like echoes.

Yet the world will see Little of this, my parting work! in thee. Thou shalt have fame! Oh, mockery! give the reed From storms a shelter—give the drooping vine Something round which its tendrils may entwine— Give the parch’d flower a rain-drop, and the meed Of love’s kind words to woman! Worthless fame! That in his bosom wins not for my name Th’ abiding place it ask’d! Yet how my heart, In its own fairy world of song and art, Once beat for praise! Are those high longings o’er? That which I have been can I be no more? Never! oh, never more! though still thy sky Be blue as then, my glorious Italy! And though the music, whose rich breathings fill Thine air with soul, be wandering past me still; And though the mantle of thy sunlight streams Unchanged on forms, instinct with poet-dreams. Never! oh, never more! Where’er I move, The shadow of this broken-hearted love Is on me and around! Too well they know Whose life is all within, too soon and well, When there the blight hath settled! But I go Under the silent wings of peace to dwell; From the slow wasting, from the lonely pain, The inward burning of those words—“in vain,” Sear’d on the heart—I go. ’Twill soon be past! Sunshine and song, and bright Italian heaven, And thou, oh! thou, on whom my spirit cast Unvalued wealth—who know’st not what was given In that devotedness—the sad, and deep, And unrepaid—farewell! If I could weep Once, only once, beloved one! on thy breast, Pouring my heart forth ere I sink to rest! But that were happiness!—and unto me Earth’s gift is fame. Yet I was form’d to be So richly bless’d! With thee to watch the sky, Speaking not, feeling but that thou wert nigh; With thee to listen, while the tones of song Swept even as part of our sweet air along— To listen silently; with thee to gaze On forms, the deified of olden days— This had been joy enough; and hour by hour, From its glad well-springs drinking life and power, How had my spirit soar’d, and made its fame A glory for thy brow! Dreams, dreams!—The fire Burns faint within me. Yet I leave my name— As a deep thrill may linger on the lyre When its full chords are hush’d—awhile to live, And one day haply in thy heart revive Sad thoughts of me. I leave it, with a sound, A spell o’er memory, mournfully profound; I leave it, on my country’s air to dwell— Say proudly yet—“’Twas hers who loved me well!”

“Dark lowers our fate, And terrible the storm that gathers o’er us; But nothing, till that latest agony Which severs thee from nature, shall unloose This fix’d and sacred hold. In thy dark prison-house, In the terrific face of armed law, Yea, on the scaffold, if it needs must be, I never will forsake thee.” Joanna Baillie.

Her hands were clasp’d, her dark eyes raised, The breeze threw back her hair; Up to the fearful wheel she gazed— All that she loved was there. The night was round her clear and cold, The holy heaven above, Its pale stars watching to behold The might of earthly love. “And bid me not depart,” she cried; “My Rudolph, say not so! This is no time to quit thy side— Peace! peace! I cannot go. Hath the world aught for me to fear, When death is on thy brow? The world! what means it? Mine is here— I will not leave thee now. “I have been with thee in thine hour Of glory and of bliss; Doubt not its memory’s living power To strengthen me through this! And thou, mine honour’d love and true, Bear on, bear nobly on! We have the blessed heaven in view, Whose rest shall soon be won.” And were not these high words to flow From woman’s breaking heart? Through all that night of bitterest woe She bore her lofty part; But oh! with such a glazing eye, With such a curdling cheek— Love, Love! of mortal agony Thou, only thou, shouldst speak! The wind rose high—but with it rose Her voice, that he might hear:— Perchance that dark hour brought repose To happy bosoms near; While she sat striving with despair Beside his tortured form, And pouring her deep soul in prayer Forth on the rushing storm. She wiped the death-damps from his brow With her pale hands and soft, Whose touch upon the lute-chords low Had still’d his heart so oft. She spread her mantle o’er his breast, She bathed his lips with dew, And on his cheek such kisses press’d As hope and joy ne’er knew. Oh! lovely are ye, Love and Faith, Enduring to the last! She had her meed—one smile in death— And his worn spirit pass’d! While even as o’er a martyr’s grave She knelt on that sad spot, And, weeping, bless’d the God who gave Strength to forsake it not.

“Sometimes The young forgot the lessons they had learnt, And loved when they should hate—like thee, Imelda!” [346] Italy; a Poem.

We have the myrtle’s breath around us here, Amidst the fallen pillars: this hath been Some Naiad’s fane of old. How brightly clear, Flinging a vein of silver o’er the scene, Up through the shadowy grass the fountain wells, And music with it, gushing from beneath The ivied altar! That sweet murmur tells The rich wild-flowers no tale of woe or death; Yet once the wave was darken’d, and a stain Lay deep, and heavy drops—but not of rain— On the dim violets by its marble bed, And the pale-shining water-lily’s head. Sad is that legend’s truth.—A fair girl met One whom she loved, by this lone temple’s spring. Just as the sun behind the pine-grove set, And eve’s low voice in whispers woke, to bring All wanderers home. They stood, that gentle pair, With the blue heaven of Italy above, And citron-odours dying on the air, And light leaves trembling round, and early love Deep in each breast. What reck’d their souls of strife Between their fathers? Unto them young life Spread out the treasures of its vernal years; And if they wept, they wept far other tears Than the cold world brings forth. They stood, that hour, Speaking of hope; while tree, and fount, and flower, And star, just gleaming through the cypress boughs, Seem’d holy things, as records of their vows. But change came o’er the scene. A hurrying tread Broke on the whispery shades. Imelda knew The footstep of her brother’s wrath, and fled Up where the cedars make yon avenue Dim with green twilight: pausing there, she caught— Was it the clash of swords? A swift dark thought Struck down her lip’s rich crimson as it pass’d, And from her eye the sunny sparkle took One moment with its fearfulness, and shook Her slight frame fiercely, as a stormy blast Might rock the rose. Once more, and yet once more, She still’d her heart to listen—all was o’er; Sweet summer winds alone were heard to sigh, Bearing the nightingale’s deep spirit by. That night Imelda’s voice was in the song— Lovely it floated through the festive throng Peopling her father’s halls. That fatal night Her eye look’d starry in its dazzling light, And her cheek glow’d with beauty’s flushing dyes, Like a rich cloud of eve in southern skies— A burning, ruby cloud. There were, whose gaze Follow’d her form beneath the clear lamp’s blaze, And marvell’d at its radiance. But a few Beheld the brightness of that feverish hue With something of dim fear; and in that glance Found strange and sudden tokens of unrest, Startling to meet amidst the mazy dance, Where Thought, if present, an unbidden guest, Comes not unmask’d. Howe’er this were, the time Sped as it speeds with joy, and grief, and crime Alike: and when the banquet’s hall was left Unto its garlands of their bloom bereft; When trembling stars look’d silvery in their wane, And heavy flowers yet slumber’d, once again There stole a footstep, fleet, and light, and lone, Through the dim cedar shade—the step of one That started at a leaf, of one that fled, Of one that panted with some secret dread. What did Imelda there? She sought the scene Where love so late with youth and hope had been. Bodings were on her soul; a shuddering thrill Ran through each vein, when first the Naiad’s rill Met her with melody—sweet sounds and low: We hear them yet, they live along its flow— Her voice is music lost! The fountain-side She gain’d—the wave flash’d forth—’twas darkly dyed Even as from warrior-hearts; and on its edge, Amidst the fern, and flowers, and moss-tufts deep, There lay, as lull’d by stream and rustling sedge, A youth, a graceful youth. “Oh! dost thou sleep? Azzo!” she cried, “my Azzo! is this rest?” But then her low tones falter’d:—“On thy breast Is the stain—yes, ’tis blood! And that cold cheek— That moveless lip!—thou dost not slumber?—speak, Speak, Azzo, my beloved! No sound—no breath— What hath come thus between our spirits? Death! Death?—I but dream—I dream!” And there she stood, A faint fair trembler, gazing first on blood, With her fair arm around yon cypress thrown, Her form sustain’d by that dark stem alone, And fading fast, like spell-struck maid of old, Into white waves dissolving, clear and cold; When from the grass her dimm’d eye caught a gleam— ’Twas where a sword lay shiver’d by the stream— Her brother’s sword!—she knew it; and she knew ’Twas with a venom’d point that weapon slew! Woe for young love! But love is strong. There came Strength upon woman’s fragile heart and frame; There came swift courage! On the dewy ground She knelt, with all her dark hair floating round Like a long silken stole; she knelt, and press’d Her lips of glowing life to Azzo’s breast, Drawing the poison forth. A strange, sad sight! Pale death, and fearless love, and solemn night! —So the moon saw them last. The morn came singing Through the green forests of the Apennines, With all her joyous birds their free flight winging, And steps and voices out amongst the vines. What found that dayspring here? Two fair forms laid Like sculptured sleepers; from the myrtle shade Casting a gleam of beauty o’er the wave, Still, mournful, sweet. Were such things for the grave? Could it be so indeed? That radiant girl, Deck’d as for bridal hours!—long braids of pearl Amidst her shadowy locks were faintly shining, As tears might shine, with melancholy light; And there was gold her slender waist entwining; And her pale graceful arms—how sadly bright; And fiery gems upon her breast were lying, And round her marble brow red roses dying. But she died first!—the violet’s hue had spread O’er her sweet eyelids with repose oppress’d; She had bow’d heavily her gentle head, And on the youth’s hush’d bosom sunk to rest. So slept they well!—the poison’s work was done; Love with true heart had striven—but Death had won.

“Du Heilige! rufe dein Kind zuruck Ich habe genossen das irdische Gluck, Ich habe gelebt und geliebet.” Wallenstein.

The woods—oh! solemn are the boundless woods Of the great western world when day declines, And louder sounds the roll of distant floods, More deep the rustling of the ancient pines. When dimness gathers on the stilly air, And mystery seems o’er every leaf to brood, Awful it is for human heart to bear The might and burden of the solitude! Yet, in that hour, midst those green wastes, there sate One young and fair; and oh! how desolate! But undismay’d—while sank the crimson light, And the high cedars darken’d with the night. Alone she sate; though many lay around, They, pale and silent on the bloody ground, Were sever’d from her need and from her woe, Far as death severs life. O’er that wild spot Combat had raged, and brought the valiant low, And left them, with the history of their lot, Unto the forest oaks—a fearful scene For her whose home of other days had been Midst the fair halls of England! But the love Which fill’d her soul was strong to cast out fear; And by its might upborne all else above, She shrank not—mark’d not that the dead were near. Of him alone she thought, whose languid head Faintly upon her wedded bosom fell; Memory of aught but him on earth was fled, While heavily she felt his life-blood well Fast o’er her garments forth, and vainly bound With her torn robe and hair the streaming wound— Yet hoped, still hoped! Oh! from such hope how long Affection woos the whispers that deceive, Even when the pressure of dismay grows strong! And we, that weep, watch, tremble, ne’er believe The blow indeed can fall. So bow’d she there Over the dying, while unconscious prayer Fill’d all her soul. Now pour’d the moonlight down, Veining the pine-stems through the foliage brown, And fire-flies, kindling up the leafy place, Cast fitful radiance o’er the warrior’s face. Whereby she caught its changes. To her eye, The eye that faded look’d through gathering haze, Whence love, o’ermastering mortal agony, Lifted a long, deep, melancholy gaze, When voice was not; that fond, sad meaning pass’d— She knew the fulness of her woe at last! One shriek the forests heard—and mute she lay And cold, yet clasping still the precious clay To her scarce-heaving breast. O Love and Death! Ye have sad meetings on this changeful earth. Many and sad!—but airs of heavenly breath Shall melt the links which bind you, for your birth Is far apart. Now light, of richer hue Than the moon sheds, came flushing mist and dew; The pines grew red with morning; fresh winds play’d; Bright-colour’d birds with splendour cross’d the shade, Flitting on flower-like wings; glad murmurs broke From reed, and spray, and leaf—the living strings Of earth’s Æolian lyre, whose music woke Into young life and joy all happy things. And she, too, woke from that long dreamless trance, The widow’d Edith: fearfully her glance Fell, as in doubt, on faces dark and strange, And dusky forms. A sudden sense of change Flash’d o’er her spirit, even ere memory swept The tide of anguish back with thoughts that slept; Yet half instinctively she rose, and spread Her arms, as ’twere for something lost or fled, Then faintly sank again. The forest-bough, With all its whispers, waved not o’er her now. Where was she? Midst the people of the wild, By the red hunter’s fire: an aged chief, Whose home look’d sad—for therein play’d no child— Had borne her, in the stillness of her grief, To that lone cabin of the woods; and there, Won by a form so desolately fair, Or touch’d with thoughts from some past sorrow sprung, O’er her low couch an Indian matron hung; While in grave silence, yet with earnest eye, The ancient warrior of the waste stood by, Bending in watchfulness his proud gray head, And leaning on his bow. And life return’d— Life, but with all its memories of the dead, To Edith’s heart; and well the sufferer learn’d Her task of meek endurance—well she wore The chasten’d grief that humbly can adore Midst blinding tears. But unto that old pair, Even as a breath of spring’s awakening air, Her presence was; or as a sweet wild tune Bringing back tender thoughts, which all too soon Depart with childhood. Sadly they had seen A daughter to the land of spirits go; And ever from that time her fading mien, And voice, like winds of summer, soft and low, Had haunted their dim years: but Edith’s face Now look’d in holy sweetness from her place, And they again seem’d parents. Oh! the joy, The rich deep blessedness—though earth’s alloy, Fear, that still bodes, be there—of pouring forth The heart’s whole power of love, its wealth and worth Of strong affection, in one healthful flow, On something all its own! that kindly glow, Which to shut inward is consuming pain, Gives the glad soul its flowering time again, When, like the sunshine, freed. And gentle cares Th’ adopted Edith meekly gave for theirs Who loved her thus. Her spirit dwelt the while With the departed, and her patient smile Spoke of farewells to earth; yet still she pray’d, E’en o’er her soldier’s lowly grave, for aid One purpose to fulfil, to leave one trace Brightly recording that her dwelling-place Had been among the wilds; for well she knew The secret whisper of her bosom true, Which warn’d her hence. And now, by many a word Link’d unto moments when the heart was stirr’d— By the sweet mournfulness of many a hymn, Sung when the woods at eve grew hush’d and dim— By the persuasion of her fervent eye, All eloquent with childlike piety— By the still beauty of her life she strove To win for heaven, and heaven-born truth, the love Pour’d out on her so freely. Nor in vain Was that soft-breathing influence to enchain The soul in gentle bonds; by slow degrees Light follow’d on, as when a summer breeze Parts the deep masses of the forest shade, And lets the sunbeam through. Her voice was made Even such a breeze; and she, a lowly guide, By faith and sorrow raised and purified, So to the Cross her Indian fosterers led, Until their prayers were one. When morning spread O’er the blue lake, and when the sunset’s glow Touch’d into golden bronze the cypress bough, And when the quiet of the Sabbath-time Sank on her heart, though no melodious chime Waken’d the wilderness, their prayers were one. Now might she pass in hope—her work was done: And she was passing from the woods away— The broken flower of England might not stay Amidst those alien shades. Her eye was bright Even yet with something of a starry light, But her form wasted, and her fair young cheek Wore oft and patiently a fatal streak, A rose whose root was death. The parting sigh Of autumn through the forests had gone by, And the rich maple o’er her wanderings lone Its crimson leaves in many a shower had strown, Flushing the air; and winter’s blast had been Amidst the pines; and now a softer green Fringed their dark boughs: for spring again had come, The sunny spring! but Edith to her home Was journeying fast. Alas! we think it sad To part with life when all the earth looks glad In her young lovely things—when voices break Into sweet sounds, and leaves and blossoms wake: Is it not brighter, then, in that far clime Where graves are not, nor blights of changeful time, If here such glory dwell with passing blooms, Such golden sunshine rest around the tombs? So thought the dying one. ’Twas early day, And sounds and odours, with the breezes’ play Whispering of spring-time, through the cabin door, Unto her couch life’s farewell sweetness bore. Then with a look where all her hope awoke, “My father!”—to the gray-hair’d chief she spoke— “Know’st thou that I depart?” “I know, I know,” He answer’d mournfully, “that thou must go To thy beloved, my daughter!” “Sorrow not For me, kind mother!” with meek smiles once more She murmur’d in low tones: “one happy lot Awaits us, friends! upon the better shore; For we have pray’d together in one trust, And lifted our frail spirits from the dust To God, who gave them. Lay me by mine own, Under the cedar shade: where he is gone, Thither I go. There will my sisters be, And the dead parents, lisping at whose knee My childhood’s prayer was learn’d—the Saviour’s prayer Which now ye know—and I shall meet you there. Father and gentle mother! ye have bound The bruisèd reed, and mercy shall be found By Mercy’s children.” From the matron’s eye Dropp’d tears, her sole and passionate reply. But Edith felt them not; for now a sleep Solemnly beautiful—a stillness deep, Fell on her settled face. Then, sad and slow, And mantling up his stately head in woe, “Thou’rt passing hence,” he sang, that warrior old, In sounds like those by plaintive waters roll’d. “Thou’rt passing from the lake’s green side, And the hunter’s hearth away: For the time of flowers, for the summer’s pride, Daughter! thou canst not stay. “Thou’rt journeying to thy spirit’s home, Where the skies are ever clear: The corn-month’s golden hours will come, But they shall not find thee here. “And we shall miss thy voice, my bird! Under our whispering pine; Music shall midst the leaves be heard, But not a song like thine. “A breeze that roves o’er stream and hill, Telling of winter gone, Hath such sweet falls—yet caught we still A farewell in its tone. “But thou, my bright one! thou shalt be Where farewell sounds are o’er; Thou, in the eyes thou lovest, shalt see No fear of parting more. “The mossy grave thy tears have wet, And the wind’s wild moanings by, Thou with thy kindred shalt forget, Midst flowers—not such as die. “The shadow from thy brow shall melt The sorrow from thy strain, But where thine earthly smile hath dwelt Our hearts shall thirst in vain. “Dim will our cabin be, and lone, When thou, its light, art fled; Yet hath thy step the pathway shown Unto the happy dead. “And we will follow thee, our guide! And join that shining band; Thou’rt passing from the lake’s green side— Go to the better land!” The song had ceased, the list’ners caught no breath: That lovely sleep had melted into death.

“What deep wounds ever closed without a sear? The heart’s bleed longest, and but heal to wear That which disfigures it.” Childe Harold.

Royal in splendour went down the day On the plain where an Indian city lay, With its crown of domes o’er the forest high, Red, as if fused in the burning sky; And its deep groves pierced by the rays which made A bright stream’s way through each long arcade, Till the pillar’d vaults of the banian stood Like torch-lit aisles midst the solemn wood; And the plantain glitter’d with leaves of gold, As a tree midst the genii gardens old, And the cypress lifted a blazing spire, And the stems of the cocoas were shafts of fire. Many a white pagoda’s gleam Slept lovely round upon lake and stream, Broken alone by the lotus flowers, As they caught the glow of the sun’s last hours, Like rosy wine in their cups, and shed Its glory forth on their crystal bed. Many a graceful Hindoo maid, With the water-vase from the palmy shade, Came gliding light as the desert’s roe, Down marble steps, to the tanks below; And a cool sweet plashing was ever heard, As the molten glass of the wave was stirr’d, And a murmur, thrilling the scented air, Told where the Bramin bow’d in prayer. —There wander’d a noble Moslem boy Through the scene of beauty in breathless joy; He gazed where the stately city rose, Like a pageant of clouds, in its red repose; He turn’d where birds through the gorgeous gloom Of the woods went glancing on starry plume; He track’d the brink of the shining lake, By the tall canes feather’d in tuft and brake; Till the path he chose, in its mazes, wound To the very heart of the holy ground. And there lay the water, as if enshrined In a rocky urn, from the sun and wind, Bearing the hues of the grove on high, Far down through its dark still purity. The flood beyond, to the fiery west, Spread out like a metal mirror’s breast; But that lone bay, in its dimness deep, Seem’d made for the swimmer’s joyous leap, For the stag athirst from the noontide chase, For all free things of the wild wood’s race. Like a falcon’s glance on the wide blue sky, Was the kindling flash of the boy’s glad eye; Like a sea-bird’s flight to the foaming wave, From the shadowy bank was the bound he gave; Dashing the spray-drops, cold and white, O’er the glossy leaves in its young delight, And bowing his locks to the waters clear— Alas! he dreamt not that fate was near. His mother look’d from her tent the while, O’er heaven and earth with a quiet smile: She, on her way unto Mecca’s fane, Had stay’d the march of her pilgrim train, Calmly to linger a few brief hours In the Bramin city’s glorious bowers; For the pomp of the forest, the wave’s bright fall, The red gold of sunset—she loved them all.

The moon rose clear in the splendour given To the deep-blue night of an Indian heaven; The boy from the high-arch’d woods came back— Oh! what had he met in his lonely track? The serpent’s glance, through the long reeds bright? The arrowy spring of the tiger’s might? No! yet as one by a conflict worn, With his graceful hair all soil’d and torn, And a gloom on the lids of his darken’d eye, And a gash on his bosom—he came to die! He look’d for the face to his young heart sweet, And found it, and sank at his mother’s feet. “Speak to me! whence doth the swift blood run What hath befallen thee, my child, my son?” The mist of death on his brow lay pale, But his voice just linger’d to breathe the tale, Murmuring faintly of wrongs and scorn, And wounds from the children of Brahma borne This was the doom for a Moslem found With a foot profane on their holy ground— This was for sullying the pure waves, free Unto them alone—’twas their god’s decree. A change came o’er his wandering look— The mother shriek’d not then nor shook: Breathless she knelt in her son’s young blood, Rending her mantle to stanch its flood; But it rush’d like a river which none may stay, Bearing a flower to the deep away. That which our love to the earth would chain, Fearfully striving with heaven in vain— That which fades from us, while yet we hold, Clasp’d to our bosoms, its mortal mould, Was fleeting before her, afar and fast; One moment—the soul from the face had pass’d! Are there no words for that common woe? Ask of the thousands its depth that know! The boy had breathed, in his dreaming rest, Like a low-voiced dove, on her gentle breast; He had stood, when she sorrow’d, beside her knee, Painfully stilling his quick heart’s glee; He had kiss’d from her cheek the widow’s tears, With the loving lip of his infant years: He had smiled o’er her path like a bright spring day— Now in his blood on the earth he lay! Murder’d! Alas! and we love so well In a world where anguish like this can dwell! She bow’d down mutely o’er her dead— They that stood round her watch’d in dread; They watch’d—she knew not they were by— Her soul sat veil’d in its agony. On the silent lip she press’d no kiss— Too stern was the grasp of her pangs for this: She shed no tear, as her face bent low O’er the shining hair of the lifeless brow; She look’d but into the half-shut eye With a gaze that found there no reply, And, shrieking, mantled her head from sight, And fell, struck down by her sorrow’s might. And what deep change, what work of power, Was wrought on her secret soul that hour? How rose the lonely one? She rose Like a prophetess from dark repose! And proudly flung from her face the veil, And shook the hair from her forehead pale, And midst her wondering handmaids stood, With the sudden glance of a dauntless mood— Ay, lifting up to the midnight sky A brow in its regal passion high, With a close and rigid grasp she press’d The blood-stain’d robe to her heaving breast, And said—“Not yet, not yet I weep, Not yet my spirit shall sink or sleep! Not till yon city, in ruins rent, Be piled for its victim’s monument. Cover his dust! bear it on before! It shall visit those temple gates once more.” And away in the train of the dead she turn’d, The strength of her step was the heart that burn’d; And the Bramin groves in the starlight smiled, As the mother pass’d with her slaughter’d child.

Hark! a wild sound of the desert’s horn Through the woods round the Indian city borne, A peal of the cymbal and tambour afar— War! ’tis the gathering of Moslem war! The Bramin look’d from the leaguer’d towers— He saw the wild archer amidst his bowers; And the lake that flash’d through the plantain shade, As the light of the lances along it play’d; And the canes that shook as if winds were high, When the fiery steed of the waste swept by; And the camp as it lay like a billowy sea, Wide round the sheltering banian-tree. There stood one tent from the rest apart— That was the place of a wounded heart. Oh! deep is a wounded heart, and strong A voice that cries against mighty wrong; And full of death as a hot wind’s blight, Doth the ire of a crush’d affection light. Maimuna from realm to realm had pass’d, And her tale had rung like a trumpet’s blast. There had been words from her pale lips pour’d, Each one a spell to unsheath the sword. The Tartar had sprung from his steed to hear, And the dark chief of Araby grasp’d his spear, Till a chain of long lances begirt the wall, And a vow was recorded that doom’d its fall. Back with the dust of her son she came, When her voice had kindled that lightning flame; She came in the might of a queenly foe, Banner, and javelin, and bended bow; But a deeper power on her forehead sate— There sought the warrior his star of fate: Her eye’s wild flash through the tented line Was hail’d as a spirit and a sign, And the faintest tone from her lip was caught As a sibyl’s breath of prophetic thought. Vain, bitter glory!—the gift of grief, That lights up vengeance to find relief, Transient and faithless! It cannot fill So the deep void of the heart, nor still The yearning left by a broken tie, That haunted fever of which we die! Sickening she turn’d from her sad renown, As a king in death might reject his crown. Slowly the strength of the walls gave way— She wither’d faster from day to day: All the proud sounds of that banner’d plain, To stay the flight of her soul were vain; Like an eagle caged, it had striven, and worn The frail dust, ne’er for such conflicts born, Till the bars were rent, and the hour was come For its fearful rushing through darkness home. The bright sun set in his pomp and pride, As on that eve when the fair boy died: She gazed from her couch, and a softness fell O’er her weary heart with the day’s farewell; She spoke, and her voice, in its dying tone, Had an echo of feelings that long seem’d flown. She murmur’d a low sweet cradle-song, Strange midst the din of a warrior throng— A song of the time when her boy’s young cheek Had glow’d on her breast in its slumber meek. But something which breathed from that mournful strain Sent a fitful gust o’er her soul again; And starting, as if from a dream, she cried— “Give him proud burial at my side! There, by yon lake, where the palm-boughs wave, When the temples are fallen, make there our grave.” And the temples fell, though the spirit pass’d, That stay’d not for victory’s voice at last; When the day was won for the martyr dead, For the broken heart and the bright blood shed. Through the gates of the vanquish’d the Tartar steed Bore in the avenger with foaming speed; Free swept the flame through the idol fanes, And the streams glow’d red, as from warrior veins; And the sword of the Moslem, let loose to slay, Like the panther leapt on its flying prey, Till a city of ruin begirt the shade Where the boy and his mother at rest were laid. Palace and tower on that plain were left, Like fallen trees by the lightning cleft; The wild vine mantled the stately square, The Rajah’s throne was the serpent’s lair, And the jungle grass o’er the altar sprung— This was the work of one deep heart wrung!

——“There is but one place in the world— Thither, where he lies buried! ... There, there is all that still remains of him: That single spot is the whole earth to me.” Coleridge’s “Wallenstein.”

“Alas! our young affections run to waste, Or water but the desert.”—Childe Harold.

There went a warrior’s funeral through the night, A waving of tall plumes, a ruddy light Of torches, fitfully and wildly thrown From the high woods, along the sweeping Rhone, Far down the waters. Heavily and dead, Under the moaning trees, the home-hoof’s tread In muffled sounds upon the greensward fell, As chieftains pass’d; and solemnly the swell Of the deep requiem, o’er the gleaming river Borne with the gale, and with the leaves’ low shiver, Floated and died. Proud mourners there, yet pale, Wore man’s mute anguish sternly;—but of one, Oh, who shall speak? What words his brow unveil? A father following to the grave his son!— That is no grief to picture! Sad and slow, Through the wood-shadows, moved the knightly train, With youth’s fair form upon the bier laid low— Fair even when found amidst the bloody slain, Stretch’d by its broken lance. They reach’d the lone Baronial chapel, where the forest-gloom Fell heaviest, for the massy boughs had grown Into thick archways, as to vault the tomb. Stately they trode the hollow-ringing aisle, A strange deep echo shudder’d through the pile, Till crested heads at last in silence bent Round the De Coucis’ antique monument, When dust to dust was given:—and Aymer slept Beneath the drooping banners of his line, Whose broider’d folds the Syrian wind had swept Proudly and oft o’er fields of Palestine. So the sad rite was closed. The sculptor gave Trophies, ere long, to deck that lordly grave; And the pale image of a youth, array’d As warriors are for fight, but calmly laid In slumber on his shield. Then all was done— All still around the dead. His name was heard Perchance when wine-cups flow’d, and hearts were stirr’d By some old song, or tale of battle won Told round the hearth. But in his father’s breast Manhood’s high passions woke again, and press’d On to their mark; and in his friend’s clear eye There dwelt no shadow of a dream gone by; And with the brethren of his fields, the feast Was gay as when the voice whose sounds had ceased Mingled with theirs. Even thus life’s rushing tide Bears back affection from the grave’s dark side; Alas! to think of this!—the heart’s void place Fill’d up so soon!—so like a summer cloud, All that we loved to pass and leave no trace!— He lay forgotten in his early shroud. Forgotten?—not of all! The sunny smile Glancing in play o’er that proud lip erewhile, And the dark locks, whose breezy waving threw A gladness round, whene’er their shade withdrew From the bright brow; and all the sweetness lying Within that eagle eye’s jet radiance deep, And all the music with that young voice dying, Whose joyous echoes made the quick heart leap As at a hunter’s bugle—these things lived Still in one breast, whose silent love survived The pomps of kindred sorrow. Day by day, On Aymer’s tomb fresh flowers in garlands lay, Through the dim fane soft summer odours breathing, And all the pale sepulchral trophies wreathing, And with a flush of deeper brilliance glowing In the rich light, like molten rubies flowing Through storied windows down. The violet there Might speak of love—a secret love and lowly; And the rose image all things fleet and fair; And the faint passion-flower, the sad and holy, Tell of diviner hopes. But whose light hand, As for an altar, wove the radiant band? Whose gentle nurture brought, from hidden dells, That gem-like wealth of blossoms and sweet bells, To blush through every season? Blight and chill Might touch the changing woods; but duly still For years those gorgeous coronals renew’d, And brightly clasping marble spear and helm, Even through mid-winter, fill’d the solitude With a strange smile—a glow of summer’s realm. Surely some fond and fervent heart was pouring Its youth’s vain worship on the dust, adoring In lone devotedness! One spring morn rose, And found, within that tomb’s proud shadow laid— Oh! not as midst the vineyards, to repose From the fierce noon—a dark-hair’d peasant maid. Who could reveal her story? That still face Had once been fair; for on the clear arch’d brow And the curved lip there linger’d yet such grace As sculpture gives its dreams; and long and low The deep black lashes, o’er the half-shut eye— For death was on its lids—fell mournfully. But the cold cheek was sunk, the raven hair Dimm’d, the slight form all wasted, as by care. Whence came that early blight? Her kindred’s place Was not amidst the high De Couci race; Yet there her shrine had been! She grasp’d a wreath, The tomb’s last garland!—This was love in death.

“Non, je ne puis vivre avec un cœur brise. Il faut que je retrouve la joie, et que je m’unisse aux esprits libres de l’air.” “Bride of Messina.” Translated by Madame de Stael.

“Let not my child be a girl, for very sad is the life of a woman.” “The Prairie.”

Down a broad river of the western wilds, Piercing thick forest-glooms, a light canoe Swept with the current: fearful was the speed Of the frail bark, as by a tempest’s wing Borne leaf-like on to where the mist of spray Rose with the cataract’s thunder. Yet within, Proudly, and dauntlessly, and all alone, Save that a babe lay sleeping at her breast, A woman stood! Upon her Indian brow Sat a strange gladness, and her dark hair waved As if triumphantly. She press’d her child, In its bright slumber, to her beating heart, And lifted her sweet voice, that rose awhile Above the sound of waters, high and clear, Wafting a wild proud strain—a song of death. “Roll swiftly to the spirits’ land, thou mighty stream and free! Father of ancient waters,[349] roll! and bear our lives with thee! The weary bird that storms have toss’d would seek the sunshine’s calm, And the deer that hath the arrow’s hurt flies to the woods of balm. “Roll on!—my warrior’s eye hath look’d upon another’s face, And mine hath faded from his soul, as fades a moonbeam’s trace: My shadow comes not o’er his path, my whisper to his dream— He flings away the broken reed. Roll swifter yet, thou stream! “The voice that spoke of other days is hush’d within his breast, But mine its lonely music haunts, and will not let me rest; It sings a low and mournful song of gladness that is gone— I cannot live without that light. Father of waves! roll on! “Will he not miss the bounding step that met him from the chase? The heart of love that made his home an ever-sunny place? The hand that spread the hunter’s board, and deck’d his couch of yore?— He will not! Roll, dark foaming stream, on to the better shore! “Some blessed fount amidst the woods of that bright land must flow, Whose waters from my soul may lave the memory of this woe; Some gentle wind must whisper there, whose breath may waft away The burden of the heavy night, the sadness of the day. “And thou, my babe! though born, like me, for woman’s weary lot, Smile!—to that wasting of the heart, my own! I leave thee not; Too bright a thing art thou to pine in aching love away— Thy mother bears thee far, young fawn! from sorrow and decay. “She bears thee to the glorious bowers where none are heard to weep, And where th’ unkind one hath no power again to trouble sleep; And where the soul shall find its youth, as wakening from a dream: One moment, and that realm is ours. On, on, dark-rolling stream!”

Thou hast a charmed cup, O Fame! A draught that mantles high, And seems to lift this earth-born frame Above mortality: Away! to me—a woman—bring Sweet waters from affection’s spring!

That was a joyous day in Rheims of old, When peal on peal of mighty music roll’d Forth from her throng’d cathedral; while around, A multitude, whose billows made no sound, Chain’d to a hush of wonder, though elate With victory, listen’d at their temple’s gate. And what was done within? Within, the light, Through the rich gloom of pictured windows flowing, Tinged with soft awfulness a stately sight— The chivalry of France their proud heads bowing In martial vassalage! While midst that ring, And shadow’d by ancestral tombs, a king Received his birth-right’s crown. For this, the hymn Swell’d out like rushing waters, and the day With the sweet censer’s misty breath grew dim, As through long aisles it floated o’er th’ array Of arms and sweeping stoles. But who, alone And unapproach’d, beside the altar-stone, With the white banner forth like sunshine streaming, And the gold helm through clouds of fragrance gleaming. Silent and radiant stood? The helm was raised, And the fair face reveal’d, that upward gazed, Intensely worshipping—a still, clear face, Youthful, but brightly solemn! Woman’s cheek And brow were there, in deep devotion meek, Yet glorified, with inspiration’s trace On its pure paleness; while, enthroned above, The pictured Virgin, with her smile of love, Seem’d bending o’er her votaress. That slight form! Was that the leader through the battle-storm? Had the soft light in that adoring eye Guided the warrior where the swords flash’d high? ’Twas so, even so!—and thou, the shepherd’s child, Joanne, the lowly dreamer of the wild! Never before, and never since that hour, Hath woman, mantled with victorious power, Stood forth as thou beside the shrine didst stand, Holy amidst the knighthood of the land, And, beautiful with joy and with renown, Lift thy white banner o’er the olden crown, Ransom’d for France by thee! The rites are done. Now let the dome with trumpet-notes be shaken, And bid the echoes of the tomb awaken, And come thou forth, that heaven’s rejoicing sun May give thee welcome from thine own blue skies, Daughter of victory! A triumphant strain, A proud rich stream of warlike melodies, Gush’d through the portals of the antique fane, And forth she came. Then rose a nation’s sound: Oh! what a power to bid the quick heart bound, The wind bears onward with the stormy cheer Man gives to glory on her high career! Is there indeed such power?—far deeper dwells In one kind household voice, to reach the cells Whence happiness flows forth! The shouts that fill’d The hollow heaven tempestuously, were still’d One moment; and in that brief pause, the tone, As of a breeze that o’er her home had blown, Sank on the bright maid’s heart. “Joanne!”—Who spoke Like those whose childhood with her childhood grew Under one roof? “Joanne!”—that murmur broke With sounds of weeping forth! She turn’d—she knew Beside her, mark’d from all the thousands there, In the calm beauty of his silver hair, The stately shepherd; and the youth, whose joy, From his dark eye flash’d proudly; and the boy, The youngest born, that ever loved her best:— “Father! and ye, my brothers!” On the breast Of that gray sire she sank—and swiftly back, Even in an instant, to their native track Her free thoughts flow’d. She saw the pomp no more The plumes, the banners: to her cabin-door, And to the Fairy’s Fountain in the glade,[350] Where her young sisters by her side had play’d, And to her hamlet’s chapel, where it rose Hallowing the forest unto deep repose, Her spirit turn’d. The very wood-note, sung In early spring-time by the bird, which dwelt Where o’er her father’s roof the beech leaves hung, Was in her heart; a music heard and felt, Winning her back to nature. She unbound The helm of many battles from her head, And, with her bright locks bow’d to sweep the ground, Lifting her voice up, wept for joy and said— “Bless me, my father! bless me! and with thee, To the still cabin and the beechen tree, Let me return!” Oh! never did thine eye Through the green haunts of happy infancy Wander again, Joanne! Too much of fame Had shed its radiance on thy peasant name; And bought alone by gifts beyond all price— The trusting heart’s repose, the paradise Of home, with all its loves—doth fate allow The crown of glory unto woman’s brow.

To die for what we love! Oh! there is power In the true heart, and pride, and joy, for this: It is to live without the vanish’d light That strength is needed.

“Cosi trapassa al trapassar d’un Giorno Della vita mortal il fiore e’l verde.” Tasso.

Along the starlit Seine went music swelling, Till the air thrill’d with its exulting mirth; Proudly it floated, even as if no dwelling For cares or stricken hearts were found on earth; And a glad sound the measure lightly beat, A happy chime of many dancing feet. For in a palace of the land that night, Lamps, and fresh roses, and green leaves were hung; And from the painted walls, a stream of light On flying forms beneath soft splendour flung; But loveliest far amidst the revel’s pride Was one—the lady from the Danube side.[351] Pauline, the meekly bright! though now no more Her clear eye flash’d with youth’s all-tameless glee, Yet something holier than its dayspring wore, There in soft rest lay beautiful to see; A charm with graver, tenderer, sweetness fraught— The blending of deep love and matron thought. Through the gay throng she moved, serenely fair, And such calm joy as fills a moonlight sky Sat on her brow beneath its graceful hair, As her young daughter in the dance went by, With the fleet step of one that yet hath known Smiles and kind voices in this world alone. Lurk’d there no secret boding in her breast? Did no faint whisper warn of evil nigh? Such oft awake when most the heart seems blest Midst the light laughter of festivity. Whence come those tones? Alas! enough we know To mingle fear with all triumphal show! Who spoke of evil when young feet were flying In fairy rings around the echoing hall? Soft airs through braided locks in perfume sighing, Glad pulses beating unto music’s call? Silence!—the minstrels pause—and hark! a sound, A strange quick rustling which their notes had drown’d! And lo! a light upon the dancers breaking— Not such their clear and silvery lamps had shed! From the gay dream of revelry awaking, One moment holds them still in breathless dread. The wild fierce lustre grows: then bursts a cry— Fire! through the hall and round it gathering—fly! And forth they rush, as chased by sword and spear, To the green coverts of the garden bowers— A gorgeous masque of pageantry and fear, Startling the birds and trampling down the flowers: While from the dome behind, red sparkles driven Pierce the dark stillness of the midnight heaven. And where is she—Pauline? The hurrying throng Have swept her onward, as a stormy blast Might sweep some faint o’erwearied bird along— Till now the threshold of that death is past, And free she stands beneath the starry skies, Calling her child—but no sweet voice replies. “Bertha! where art thou? Speak! oh! speak, my own!” Alas! unconscious of her pangs the while, The gentle girl, in fear’s cold grasp alone, Powerless had sunk within the blazing pile; A young bright form, deck’d gloriously for death, With flowers all shrinking from the flame’s fierce breath! But oh! thy strength, deep love! There is no power To stay the mother from that rolling grave, Though fast on high the fiery volumes tower, And forth like banners from each lattice wave: Back, back she rushes through a host combined— Mighty is anguish, with affection twined! And what bold step may follow, midst the roar Of the red billows, o’er their prey that rise? None!—Courage there stood still—and never more Did those fair forms emerge on human eyes! Was one bright meeting theirs, one wild farewell? And died they heart to heart?—Oh! who can tell? Freshly and cloudlessly the morning broke On that sad palace, midst its pleasure shades; Its painted roofs had sunk—yet black with smoke And lonely stood its marble colonnades: But yester eve their shafts with wreaths were bound, Now lay the scene one shrivell’d scroll around! And bore the ruins no recording trace Of all that woman’s heart had dared and done? Yes! there were gems to mark its mortal place, That forth from dust and ashes dimly shone! Those had the mother, on her gentle breast, Worn round her child’s fair image, there at rest. And they were all!—the tender and the true Left this alone her sacrifice to prove, Hallowing the spot where mirth once lightly flew, To deep lone chasten’d thoughts of grief and love. Oh! we have need of patient faith below, To clear away the mysteries of such woe!

It is but dust thou look’st upon. This love, This wild and passionate idolatry, What doth it in the shadow of the grave? Gather it back within thy lonely heart, So must it ever end: too much we give Unto the things that perish.

The night-wind shook the tapestry round an ancient palace room, And torches, as it rose and fell, waved through the gorgeous gloom, And o’er a shadowy regal couch threw fitful gleams and red, Where a woman with long raven hair sat watching by the dead. Pale shone the features of the dead, yet glorious still to see, Like a hunter or a chief struck down while his heart and step were free: No shroud he wore, no robe of death, but there majestic lay, Proudly and sadly glittering in royalty’s array. But she that with the dark hair watch’d by the cold slumberer’s side, On her wan cheek no beauty dwelt, and in her garb no pride; Only her full impassion’d eyes as o’er that clay she bent, A wildness and a tenderness in strange resplendence blent. And as the swift thoughts cross’d her soul, like shadows of a cloud, Amidst the silent room of death the dreamer spoke aloud; She spoke to him that could not hear, and cried, “Thou yet wilt wake, And learn my watchings and my tears, beloved one! for thy sake. “They told me this was death, but well I knew it could not be; Fairest and stateliest of the earth! who spoke of death for thee? They would have wrapp’d the funeral shroud thy gallant form around, But I forbade—and there thou art, a monarch, robed and crown’d! “With all thy bright locks gleaming still, their coronal beneath, And thy brow so proudly beautiful—who said that this was death? Silence hath been upon thy lips, and stillness round thee long, But the hopeful spirit in my breast is all undimm’d and strong. “I know thou hast not loved me yet; I am not fair like thee, The very glance of whose clear eye threw round a light of glee! A frail and drooping form is mine—a cold unsmiling cheek— Oh! I have but a woman’s heart wherewith thy heart to seek. “But when thou wakest, my prince, my lord! and hear’st how I have kept A lonely vigil by thy side, and o’er thee pray’d and wept— How in one long deep dream of thee my nights, and days have past— Surely that humble patient love must win back love at last! “And thou wilt smile—my own, my own, shall be the sunny smile, Which brightly fell, and joyously, on all but me erewhile! No more in vain affection’s thirst my weary soul shall pine— Oh! years of hope deferr’d were paid by one fond glance of thine! “Thou’lt meet me with that radiant look when thou comest from the chase— For me, for me, in festal halls it shall kindle o’er thy face! Thou’lt reck no more though beauty’s gift mine aspect may not bless; In thy kind eyes this deep, deep love shall give me loveliness. “But wake! my heart within me burns, yet once more to rejoice In the sound to which it ever leap’d, the music of thy voice. Awake! I sit in solitude, that thy first look and tone, And the gladness of thine opening eyes, may all be mine alone.” In the still chambers of the dust, thus pour’d forth day by day, The passion of that loving dream from a troubled soul found way, Until the shadows of the grave had swept o’er every grace, Left midst the awfulness of death on the princely form and face. And slowly broke the fearful truth upon the watcher’s breast, And they bore away the royal dead with requiems to his rest, With banners and with knightly plumes all waving in the wind— But a woman’s broken heart was left in its lone despair behind.

A fearful gift upon thy heart is laid, Woman!—a power to suffer and to love; Therefore thou so canst pity.

Wildly and mournfully the Indian drum On the deep hush of moonlight forests broke— “Sing us a death-song, for thine hour is come”— So the red warriors to their captive spoke. Still, and amidst those dusky forms alone, A youth, a fair-hair’d youth of England stood, Like a king’s son; though from his cheek had flown The mantling crimson of the island blood, And his press’d lips look’d marble. Fiercely bright And high around him blazed the fires of night, Rocking beneath the cedars to and fro, As the wind pass’d, and with a fitful glow Lighting the victim’s face: but who could tell Of what within his secret heart befell, Known but to heaven that hour? Perchance a thought Of his far home then so intensely wrought, That its full image, pictured to his eye On the dark ground of mortal agony, Rose clear as day!—and he might see the band Of his young sisters wandering hand in hand, Where the laburnums droop’d; or haply binding The jasmine up the door’s low pillars winding; Or, as day closed upon their gentle mirth, Gathering, with braided hair, around the hearth, Where sat their mother; and that mother’s face Its grave sweet smile yet wearing in the place Where so it ever smiled! Perchance the prayer Learn’d at her knee came back on his despair; The blessing from her voice, the very tone Of her “Good-night” might breathe from boyhood gone! —He started and look’d up: thick cypress boughs, Full of strange sound, waved o’er him, darkly red In the broad stormy firelight; savage brows, With tall plumes crested and wild hues o’erspread, Girt him like feverish phantoms; and pale stars Look’d through the branches as through dungeon bars, Shedding no hope. He knew, he felt his doom— Oh! what a tale to shadow with its gloom That happy hall in England. Idle fear! Would the winds tell it? Who might dream or hear The secret of the forests? To the stake They bound him; and that proud young soldier strove His father’s spirit in his breast to wake, Trusting to die in silence! He, the love Of many hearts!—the fondly rear’d—the fair, Gladdening all eyes to see! And fetter’d there He stood beside his death-pyre, and the brand Flamed up to light it in the chieftain’s hand. He thought upon his God. Hush! hark! a cry Breaks on the stern and dread solemnity— A step hath pierced the ring! Who dares intrude On the dark hunters in their vengeful mood? A girl—a young slight girl—a fawn-like child Of green savannas and the leafy wild, Springing unmark’d till then, as some lone flower, Happy because the sunshine is its dower; Yet one that knew how early tears are shed, For hers had mourn’d a playmate-brother dead. She had sat gazing on the victim long, Until the pity of her soul grew strong; And, by its passion’s deepening fervour sway’d, Even to the stake she rush’d, and gently laid His bright head on her bosom, and around His form her slender arms to shield it wound Like close Liannes; then raised her glittering eye, And clear-toned voice, that said, “He shall not die!” “He shall not die!”—the gloomy forest thrill’d To that sweet sound. A sudden wonder fell On the fierce throng; and heart and hand were still’d, Struck down as by the whisper of a spell. They gazed: their dark souls bow’d before the maid, She of the dancing step in wood and glade! And, as her cheek flush’d through its olive hue, As her black tresses to the night-wind flew, Something o’ermaster’d them from that young mien— Something of heaven in silence felt and seen; And seeming, to their childlike faith, a token That the Great Spirit by her voice had spoken. They loosed the bonds that held their captive’s breath; From his pale lips they took the cup of death; They quench’d the brand beneath the cypress tree: “Away,” they cried, “young stranger, thou art free!”