1?^ ;* 0' --Wi 1\ ^ y- THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES r ( / THE x\IAID OF ARABY, AN WITH OTHER POEMS, DEDICATED (BY PERMISSION J TO HER GRACE THE DUCHESS OF LEINSTER, ^^wv^v^-vv " There is a World where souls are free, " Where Tyrants taint not Nature's bliss, '< If Death that World's bright opening be " Oh ! who would live a slave in this ?" Moore. Printed by J. KIRKWOOB, 5, East Jrran-St. Sold by Messrs. C. P. Archer, Dame-Street, MILLIKI^^^ Grafton-St. and Larkim, Parliament-St. and by Messrs. Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, London. 1820. TK HER GRACE THE DUCHESS OF LEINSTER. May it please your Grace. At a period when the moral and intellectual energies of our Country have attained a degree of elevation unexampled in our history, it may well appear presumptuous in an humble individual, to bring his feeble tribute to the shrine, which genius has consecrated to the literature of his country; but his offering, like the borate of the heart, however unasked, may not be unaccepted j and, if the approbation of one, whose dignity of mind reflects lustre on her station, could disarm criticism of its virulence, he might repose with confidence in your Grace's protection. Distinguished by the possession of every accom- plishment, Mid by the exercise of every virtue, which can , adorn or dignify the female character, your Grace is revered still more by your adopted countrymen, for that spirit of benevolence and condescension, which has endeared you to the hearts of all around you. By the peculiar excrcijje of Uie domestic virtues, you have upheld the fame of the national character ; you have given to the resident Nobility of our land a bright example for imitation ; and have con- iert'ed additional splendor on the illustrious name of 824090 Leinstcr a flame long enshrined in the euTogy of olir hearts. Under this impression,' I have dared to place the first* oflFspring of my fancy bcnejtth the shelter of your Grace's name, convinced that such defence will guard it as well from the rage of criticism, as the coldness of neglect. I cannot have the vanity to suppose that this Vork should pass altogether uncensured ; yet I trust that I may claim some indulgence from having finished it, ere I had attained the age of twenty. Its defects, I am sensible, are numerous, and its merits few ; but I appeal to the nati- onal gallantry of my countrymen, for the protection of the Arab nuiid; and I rely with confidence on the support of her own sex, ambitious to follow the example of your Grace. That yoiu" Grace may long continue in the enjoyment of every blessing, and the exercise of every virtue, is the dearest hope of Your Grace's most obliged, and very hmnble Servant, The Author. THE IMAID OF ARABY. A.>#Jw.4t~X> > 'i-W ^ 0' Harp of tlie East! that hangs in Iran's^ hall. Descend, and let me wake thy soothing tone; Let thy wild chords the memory recal Of other times, alas! for ever flown. Let thy soft numbers mingle with the stream That on my startled ear its murmur flings. Whilst rays of glory issue from the beam That sheds its radiance qp. thy golden strings. Wake harp of Iran! wake from sorrow's trance, 'Mid warring wiads I view thine aii*y form. Where fiery meteors to the red-beam glance, Brfght as the sun-shine *mid the summer storm. 1 The true ori^al name of the Empire of Persiai Wild as the winds that whistle on thy shore, Soft as the breeze that murmurs through the grovCx I*et thy lov*d chords the mingling measures pour Of War's stern language and the notes of Lovel Though weak and tuneless be tlie youthful hand That o'er thy mystic mazes dares to stray, fjftill Envy shall not rear her deathful brand, Since Beauty smiles upon the humble lay. Then wake, sweet Harp ! whilst o'er my pensive miu4 riit i-j.l Past pleasures steal in fitful change along, Oh! that my trembliftg hand one spark may find Of that bright fire which warm*d thii|p; earlier Son^! %^%v%^ .<^ O'er Oman's sea* and its lovely Isles Softly the light of Eve reposes. Its waters sparkling in the smiles That ev'ning's beauteous orb discloses. No breezes curl the blue sea-wave Though many a dimple swells its bosom, Soft as the teardew*d sighs that lave The sweet Nyctanthes' lonely blossom, That flings upon the evening air Its treasured hoard of sweetness there. 1 The Fer^an GalC-KUod also the ffreen 5^-^ B 6 mIaid of araby. Calm is the hour as that pure ray I That gilds the radiant close of day When dn the bdiom of the West The summer sunbeam. sinks to rest; No sound is heard o*er sea or plain Save the wild lapwing's mournful cry Flitting along the cloudless sky Or pcrch*d on some'Tdiie ruih'^ faile, "^ ' '~ The palm trees ^& tlife'Mets* ^^b ^^ t^-^oS So still the a5r-i2&eiifoti6nle^s. Save whence Trretezes" "softly glide- In murmurs o'er tlie slumb'ring tide. Else all is solemn loxi^inesg; The NightingSe 'ht'%ft'fe^t6# ^^'^ ' To wefep all night licr absent matW^'^" ^"^ And beauteously her leaves disclose The sorrdSrlr^^f Hit ^Weiy state.* 1 In allusion to the beautiful Persian &ble of the Nighttngalf being enamoured with the Rose. The first glance of the rising moon Scarce dawn'd upon yon mountain's side, When from thg w^ ^| Gpm^oo^^ A bark flew o'er the ev'ning tidg; And swift and light that shallop flew lliough scarce a zephyr fann'd the air, As if the secret thoughts it knew Of him, who sat all lonely there, '^^ ^^ Gazing upon the blue sea-wave That bears his bark to yonder Isle, Which lies like some lone Warrior's grave Mid tears that bloom, and beams that smile. And beauteous as the emerald gem That flames in Persia's diadem. Is the' Islet to whose golden shore That warrior points his lifted oar. The breeze that fans its jasmine bowers Is perfum'd with the sweetest flowers 2 A City*on the Persian si^c of the Gulfc 8 MAID OF ARABY. That bloom beneath the Eastern sky. Its groves of palm and amber vines, It$ plaintain tree$ like golden shnnes Delight the heart and charm the eye. Its beauties and its uses too Full well the Arab warriors knew, And late when from the Persian shore Tney fled their conquering foes before^ To this lone Isle their Chieftain came Burning with indignation shame j And with him all the sole remain^ Of those, who on Cadessia*s plains Escaped the Persians' vengeful sword, And here, where scarce a zephyr bore The warshouts from the distant shore, The tempest that behind them roar*d, They like the rocks that round them grovf Bade stem defiance to the foe. MAID OF ARABRT. 9 But who is he ^whose eager glance Is fix'd upon the blue expanse Of Oman's sea around him flowing, Watching each sparkle of its tide As rippling 'gainst his shallop's side -p haf-^ And in the silver moonbeam glowing? o^oife 'Tis Tadmor leader of the band ^ ^om 'ii 'A That from Cadessia's bloody Ijuid U>..isu And the sweet groves of Samarcand, *-;ii k/f- : * With swords of fire and hearts of flame *^*0-'^- To meet their Arab foemen came, ^ ^ ^ - And now upon the Green Sea strajid In Valor's might securely stand Resolv'd to guard their native land. Now see him o'er the sparkling tide With fearless heart his shallop guide. Like some lone bird that from afar Flies o'er the lake of Aral Nahr,* 1 Os 5ea of Aral iu Ptcrss^ 10 JHID OF ARABY. Nor stops his weary wings to rest Upon its dark and gelid breast ; So Tadmor's bark flew lightly o'er The waters, to that Islet shore, And as it mov'd the flashing spray Shone in the moonshine's silver ray, As if each beam of light from Heav'n Back to its native orb was giv^n. *Twas silent all* no sound was heard As o*er the jnoonlit wave it flew, .Save the light breeze that scarcely BtiiT*d The palm tree leaves begeram'd with defs^ ^^ And roving those bright waters o^^er Wafted that sl^aliop to the shore- The Islet shore wa stern and steep. By granite cliflfe and crags surrounded, Where oft the eagle lov*d to sleep, But ne'er did human footsteps trace MAID OF ARABY, 11 Tlie^mazes of that lonely place, ^-^ ^^ r- r Nor o'er those rocks hath seagoiJit'Btnmded; Yet see from out his little boat With active spring the warrior lea|, And lighto as Yemen's^ mountain go^ Climbs fearless up the rocky steeps. Now to the narrow causeway clinging That beetles o*er the main below. Now o*er the deepmouth'd cavern springing And climbing i:^ its rugged brow; *Till many a toil and danger pas^ iiiii U Which shrouded that once happy Natieu* Four moons have brighten'd Oman's wav Of many an Arab corse the grave. Since from the Persians' bloody shpro Bel Hazor's dastard band flew o'er The waters to this lonely Isle ; But 'mid the direful scene of slaughter. Forgot their Chieftain's beauteous Daughter, Who in Hannozia'sj sacred aisle Had offer'd up her prayers the while; C ^ ttk MiilD OF ARABY* And when the Tartar warriors rusb'd Full on their foe, 'with conqliest flush*d^/^i^i i . -i When carnage darkenM ev'ry street. And Tadmor's sword flew forth to meet The breast of him, whose blood alone i ^ >,' Could for his Country's wrongs atone; When ev'ry mosque and minaret Was stain'd with human blood, he met* * (Oh I Dot the daring Arab Chief,. For farther off with fury rife. Dauntless he wagM unequal strife. But one in whom the pangs of grief Had nearly stopp'd the throb of life,) Bel Razor's beauteous child! Low on her knees before a shrine Bright image of a form divine. She knelt and pray'd with eyes uptum'd. Whose ev'ry glance was dark and wild, Wild AS the flames that round her burn'd. MAID OF ARABY. 15 Pown Tell the Warrior's sword his eye That lighten'd with the battle's fire. And flash'd his soul's consuming irejj Bereav'd of ev'ry wilder glance, '^ In deathlike stillness mute suspense, ..*^y^*^^ Hung tremblingly on her, whose sigh Of heartfelt angtiishV deep, intense^ Told that amid that carnage dire. That scene of havoek darft and drear. She liv'd, though death had lurk'd so near. Rais'd by the youthful Warrior's arm. Who sooth'd ftnd hush'd each wild alarm, The Maid her senses soon recovers; With beating heart, and sigh suppress'd. She gaz^s round her, and discovers Oh! not her own lov'd Father's' breast. On which she oft was wont to rest. But Tadmor's yellow Tartar vest!-* 16 MAID OP ABABT. *** j That rebel Chief whose bloodstained brand Was rear*d to free kis fiatiyg laiid ;f ^mAnr From foreign foes, r\yhQ3^;|^VlW)^Kte bah She thought could with the Tiger*^ vije J.*7y|^ The very B^enli^. of^J^ag.^ n^W .jjiHtsof) nl Had caus'd njp^ ,t*WJ^ *fcf ough her fran^^.._ f - As chiird the lifi^blood i^ h^r breasU ^ .^ r y. And flung upoij !^r ^Q^j)]ef s r^t Such visions of^|b^, PH.^^gl^3^-,^ ^^^.^ ^^ As haunt the woe strjick inoumei:*i^^j}|yain,t^j{ .j^i,; ,Evhi he that ruthless Chieftain novy Is gazing on her fainting bnm, '^'C ^^^ V^ ^"^'^ His ardent eyebeatn's with'ring glance, ''^?^ ^" ' (With'rin^ indeed to J^ran's foe,) ^"^ ^^ His breathv--t!i^iyj^t'of xjest^^ -^^*^ ^^'^ Ijs breathing round her, death and woe !-^ The thouglit was madness, witli it cameff4^i|^ ^0 Feelings of tearor and of sharacj INfAID OF ARABY* 17 But when she look*d and saw the eye ' ' Fresh with the light of mercy beaming, And heard the soft, the pensive sigh, Quick from his manly bosom streaming ; Oh! hush'd was then each turbid fear. And wither'd ev'ry darker thought. While hopes to feeling ever dear. Their consolation quickly brought; Ev'n he, that Chief ^whose eye so late Glanc'd like the eagle's on the dove, Shewing his bosom's secret hate. Is now ^11 tenderness and love. And borne on his supporting arm, ^^ Far from the madd'ning strife of men, iFar, far from all but love's alarm. The Arab maiden breathes again. Again she breathes the peaceful air .?V Of h,erj]iwn ^weet acacia jjcwer. 18 ]MAID OF ARABY. And feels her maidens* tender care Soothing her fears in that dark hour. The strife is o'er the Arab's hurl'd Down from his throne of blood and death. And Freedom's flag again unfurl'd Is waving in the morning's breath. The strife is o'er -and morning's smile Is glancing on Bel Razor's bark, Lighting the Chief to yonder Isle In Oman's Sea, now wild and da^-k, And Tadmor froip the scene of slaughter, Where Pity shed her softest tears, Ketires to see his captive Daughter, To soothp her hopes and calm her feais. ** Oh! fear thee not beloved maid! * Jn accents soft the Warrior said ; ** The heart that beats in Tadmor 's breast, *' Ne'er harbour'd aught of ill towards th(!^ icrt nL IVIAII) OF ARABY. 19 ** His soul's wild spirit is at rest, ** Since now his native land is free. '* Thy Sire is fled ay fled afar, * This land his footstep^ ne'er shall stain, ** And now the beam from freedom's star " Shall shine o'er Iran's land again. " To yonder Isle thy Sire is fled, * There let him now in safety stay, ** Nor ever dare again to spread " His warflags in our sunny ray. ** For thee, sweet maid! the evening breeze " Shall waft thee to that lovely Isle, ** And when thy cruel Father sees " Thy tender tear, thy sparkling smile, ** When safe within his sheltering arms, ** And far from all War's rude alarms, ** Tell him, Hhat though in Victory's hour , " A captive, in a Tartar's pow'r, so JUID OF : ARABY. * When conquest safely might have wrought *' The vengeance that hk bosom sought, ^' ' *' Tell him, that that sante Tartar hand * < * " That swept his Arabs from this land aiiiX '* " Protected thee, nay more that tha'oir ));iA " " The Daughter of his feUest foe, " Tell him that Tadmor*s heart adores thee *^ Forgive me maid I I ipfieant not sov-^^^-foffT * " Tell him he loves thee, yet restores thee!-*-" He ceas'd ^and Sara all amaz'd In speechless wonder stood, and gaz*di On the young Chief, whose manly form Might well a maiden's bosom warm j But oh! the tender words that hung Halt' utter'd on his fault'ring tongue, Those breathings of a soul sincere That sink so deep intd the heart, lit) hit I MAID OF ARABY. 21 And hallow*d by th' empassion'd tear To life its purest joys impart, E*en now like sunbright glories burst On Sara's heart,- as when at first We waken from some dreary dream. And wakenijag view the morning beam In gorgeous splendor shine before us. And feel his radiance flashing o'er us I True was the Chieftain to his word, And ere the golden orb of day O'er Oman's sunny waters pour'd The radiance of his parting ray, A bark with costliest skill prepar'd Stood ready to convey the maid. And in it her own Arab guard. All in their native arms array'd, " Farewell," said Tadmor as he prest Her hand unto his throbbing breast, D 20, MAID OF ARABY* ** Farewell and may thy bosom never " Confess the pangs that torture mine, " Bat oh! may peace and joy for erer " In sacred quiet reign in thine; *^ Farewell! -no longer here remain, ** Farewell dear maid! we'll meet again!*' The bark's unmoor* d the sail is h'ght. The pennon's dancing in the breeze, And Tadmor from the seabeach seei His Sara wafted from his sight. His Sara? ^yes, his own, his only. Like the one stai-beam, bright and lonely. That guides the midnight wanderer o*er The waters, to his own lov*d shore, Yci! Love his flowery wreath has twin'd In splendor round her youthful mind: Yes! all subduing Love, that rears His throne of bliss, on smiles and tears. MAID OF ARABY. 23 His chain around her heart has flung. And Sara beautiful and young Loves and is belov*d! oh! the bliss Of Saints, were cold compared to thisj . While listening to his sad farewell. How deeply did her bosom swell ! How wildly heaved her throbbing breast ! How bum* d the teardrop in her eye! AVhile thoughts that would not be repressM Came rushing on her memory. Haply she ne'er again might see The eye that look*d so brightly then. Haply she ne'er again might be Near him, the best belov'd of znen. Now landed on that verdant Isle, Again she sees her own lov'd Sire, But ah! how languid was the smile That play*d upon her lip the while, How pale the cheek how sunk the fire 24 JIAID OF ARABY* That sparkled jn those once bright eye*, While deeply heav'd convulsive sighs In quick succession from her breast, Now tell how ill her heart's at rest. Oh! my lov'd child !*'-^Bel Hazot said, " Nature ne*er form'd thy gentle heart ** For warfare rude, this silent shade " Where peaceful sweets their joys impart " Must sheltet thee, and here thine ear *' Nor sound of foe or ^var shall hear; " Here in this lone Tower thou shalt stay " While vengeance lights me on my way ** To war again, and Persia's gem " Shall glitter in my diadem. ? *' Soon as my faithful friends send o'er ** Fresh succours from Arabia's shore, " I'll forth again, again I'll try, Whether this Chief of Tartary, MAID OF ARABY. J85 '^ This rebel Chief will dare again " To meet me on the battle plain.'* But vain the thoi%ht, ^nor silent shade Nor aught that peaceful scenes impart, Can calni the bosom of the Maid, Or tranquillize her beating heart. Here in her lonely Bower she sits. And gazes on the moon's pale ray, /^ And sighing as the nightbird flits In silence o*er the watery way. I^ike it, how happy! could she wing Her joyful course o*er earth and sea, 0*er Ocean's bosom wandering. With heart as light, and wing as free* One thought alone her soul possesses, And fondly does she prize that thought, Ajid from her inmost bosom blesses The form, th^t lov*d idea brought.. 6 BIAID OF ARABY* While weeping o'er her own sad woes One cheering thought still buoyant rose. And floated on her soul's dark stream ; That He for whom each tear was shed. Whose image form'd her nightly dream, Far from her cruel Father spread His banners bright in Freedom's beam ; That after scenes of horror dire, Where war had rag'd with vengeful ire, 'Mid bloodshed deep and masacre, He liv'd tho' not alas! for her. This thought alone her soul redeem*d AVhen ev'ry other hope had fled. And on her cheerless slumber shed A ray of hope, tho' faint it beam'd. But hist!-r-her casement upward springs. And see where like some airy form In Heav'u's own radiant essence warm, She sit5, the list'ning night to charm ;- MAID OF ARABY, ^ And now her snowy hand she flings Across her silver lute and thus she smgs.- Bright as the moonbeam On the wave dancing, ^ji:,^.^^ Love! with thy soft train Come to my bowerj Sweet as the wild dream Borrowed from Fancy, Which thro' my sad brain Darted its power; Beaming with pleasure. Open thy treasure. To thee all the hopes of my heart I give o'er, Oh! may no dark wile Lurt in thy sweet smile. Clouding the beams of that light I adore! 28 MAID OF ABAUr* Sweet was the slumber Sorrow beguiling, Which with such witchery Stole on my heart; Joys without number. Evermore smiling, Still to my fond eye Pleasures impart j Vision of rapture ! Form'd but to capture Bosoms that long in affliction have wept; Oh! may thy sweet spell Still to my heart tell Love has not wander* d it only has slept. On Sara's lips the words had died, Yet echo o'er the slumbering tide In melting cadence soft and sweet, Did still the thrilling sounds repeat. MAID OF ARABY. 29 'Tis hush'd ^what sigb now striked her ear? It s\irely came from some one near ; She looked and scarcely dar'd to breathe While gazing on the rock beneath* Where shrouded in his mantle's fold A stranger stood, in silence stood. Like the lone spirit of the ilood ; His egret wing and star of gold Proclaim him of the Persian race. Wildly his dark blue eye he roll*d And fix'd in now on Sara'5 face ; That eye ^that glance-^there was but one. Such piercing glance could dare to own ; To her sad eye there was one only Who thus could look so bright and lonely; Oh ! it is he^ ^her heart's adorer, Tadraor himself that stands before her! 80: *"' MAID eF AKABY. Breathless, in mute astonisliment. The Maid her eye on Tadmor bent, " *Tis he**^ she wildly cried, and flun^ The diamond zone that round her clung At Tadmor*s feet," Oh! if thou be "^^^^ ** The Chief that lately set me free ** From death, nay worse from slavery, ** Oh! speak, in godlike mercy speak, ** Ere my lost heaft in madness break/' ** Yes, Sara I he who stands here nowV " With aching heart and pallid brow, " Is he, who lately from the shore * Of Persia, sent thee safely o'er, ** Safe to tliy father's fost'ring arms, " And far from War's, from Love's alarms; * But need I tell the grief that dwelt *' In Tadmor's heart, the pangs he felt,. MAID OF ARABY. 31 " When from his ling'ring, aching eye, ** He saw thee wafted far away, " With none to soothe the bursting sigh, " None to watch o'er him as he lay " Hears'd in the death of memory.** -" Oh! Tadmor! need*st thou tell to me " The pangs that rend thy glowing heart? ** Too well I know the agony ** That wrings the bosom when we part ** From those we Iove;-^ut whence or how " Unaided didst thow gain the brow ** Of this rude eminence, whose frown Terrific on the flood looks down, " N^'er trod by mortal foot *till now?-* ** Or didst thow not my Tadmor, fear " The deadly fbe that waits thee here? *' My Sire thou know*st good Heav*n! but why ** Sparkles such fury in thine eye? 32 MAID OF ARABY. " He sleeps secure nor things of ;th,ee, ^ f"jif?/ " Here thou art safe to Love and me." - a Mm " Sara, my best belov'd! I fear " Nor foe, nor aught of danger here ; '* *Twas J^ove, Love at this silent hour, " That led me to thy lonely Bower^r - _ ** And bless'd my heart, and cheer*4 Hiy eyjf, *' With sight of thee before I daeiri I B^w eoT " Here m this cold, this rocky bed, *' For ever will I lay my head-> ntsdi mm! " The Vultures hov'ring on their way* ** May stoop and fatteu on tl^eil: prey i " They cannot injure Tadpior thefl, -*^ Or call'^Hs spirit home again; " Yet Sara! with my.^ying breath, " Yet Sara! in the pangs of death, * I'll think of tiiee, of thee for ever, " 'Till heart and soul and all shall sever." MAID OF ABABTi ^ M He ceii^'^, and in jfeis d^k bivif eye, .j.jo^ * A feverish, fire you might descry, Which spoke his purpose fix'd, and high. Vainly the Maiden strove to calm His throbbing breast, his heart to cheer, / :> Vai^y she pour'd the soothing balm Of Love, upon his ever*d ear. ^,i^ ]^^/.^ ^^ He heard it not his heart was coldt. f>..f jf^|^ . Its light, its life was facing then; That form he should no more behold. That eye he ne'er should meet agakfi /' in brighter hours he slept before, '^^'' ^'^ ^'l^i^W With bosom as devoid of fear, < fi'rischirt iHiW But hark! his dungeon gate's unbarr'd, . _ What light now flashes on the walls And now the Sentinel on guard The watchword from some stranger calTs. 'Tis giv'n and all again is mute. No sound is heard the guard is gone, Still the light echo of his foot Resounds along the steps of stone. 50 HAJD or AHABY. The Stranger enterS'^and a chill Dack jiiience hangs on all around. He stops a moment, watchful still, Then lays his lamp upon the ground; And having gently clos'djiie door Returns, and gazes on the iloot:, Where sleeping lay the captive Chief; Wrapped in his mantle's ample fold, With turban'd brow, and moon of goUl, He stood, and gaz*d with anxious eye On the young Chief, wlio slumber'd nigh. With heart that ne'er betray'd a sigh, To shew he felt or fear or grief. Some blisful vision haunts his dream, He smiles, ^nd oh! that tranquil smile Might rob e'en pleasure of its beam. And sorrow of its care beguile. MAID OF ARABTr 51 And still he dreams, and dreams of bliw, Of pleasures fled of hopes to comej^ Oh! if there be this side the tomb A joy on earth, *tis this 'tis this ; When in the dream to slumber given. We view the promised joys of Heaven! One dear lov*d thought still haunts his mind, One object in his heart enshrin'dj One precious gem preserv*d with care When ev*ry other hope had gone. It lies like some lov*d relic there. Adored by all ^but seen by nons. " Sara, my best belov*d! I see * The stars are shining bright for thee, " Come dearest, haste and come to "me ^' 'Twas thus the sleeping Warrior sigh'd The thoughts that fHl'd his laboring brawt, Then sudden flung his chain aside. And started from his blissful test. 5S MAID OF ARABY. With haggard look and wond'ring eyes He gaz*d around him with surprise, 'Till the dark strtfnger met his view, * Who art thou? -speak, how cam'st thou here? ** Think'st thou that Tadmor^s soul can fear, ** Base coward slave he fears thee not? " Tlxen as rememhrance flashed anew, And reason o*er his mem*ry flew, He cried again " here on this spot " Tho* chain*d, unarmM, I still defy * Thee, and thy slaves of Araby 1 ** " Tlie Stranger paus'd-^and gaz'd around On the damp floor, the Chief below. Then flung his mantle on the ground, ^ And dash'd the turban from his brow, ** Hist Love/ 'tis I** and Sara stood Before him, bright in sorrow's mood. Bright as the davra of morning's beam. The vision of Jus blissful dreamy MAID OF ARABY, j^S And to his gladden* d sight she seem'd Like some bright Seraph from above, Whose eye, tho* 4**i^^ith sorrow,beam'd w On him the tendehiess of Lov. " Oh ! hast thou come this dreary night, " Thy Tadmor's breaking heart to cheer, " Wretched, too wretched from thy sigl^t, ** And happy only when thou'rt near? '* Yet think not thou wert absent far " From thy lov'd Tadmor's aching eye, " No Sara! 'mid the rage of war ** Of grief, thou still wert ever nigh j ** Still to this throbbing bosom dear , ,, ** Tho' fate hath left me lonely herej ** Deep in this heart thine image lies " Far from the view of human eyes, " Far from the chilling blast of fate * It reigns where all is desolate, H 54 MAID OF AKABY. " And I haVo dream'd oh! such a di a " But it is past, for ever past, ,:.. ::::/' . uiu- " 'Twas too too blissful long to last." " Nay Ttili6r^ease^'Tn''pity cease> " I come t(5 give tliy bosom peace; " To banish afi thy Gioi'y*s stains " And frfee ilreeW(M ffi4* gamrig cliams " With which a cruel parent's power " Hath bound thee in unguarded hour^ ** I come to rendier back to thee " The gift thou lately gav'st to me, " I come to give thee Liberty!**^^^^'^'^^ "i-' ' " What, Liberty! no it is o'er,. " I ne*er shall know that blessing more; 3IA1D OF ARAlrr. ^ " No, never shall the stinily glow ' rf^t/T^^^- - Of freeaatftMd^^o^ n^m^ '" ''^ ^'^ * ** Too well thy Father's soul I kno^r"^' ^^^"^ " ** Thou dost but mock me with the vairi " Vain hopes I ne'er shall i^ef agairi. ^ "^ ' '^^ " l^ehold" she cried,, and stooping low UnlocFd the chain that hung below, ** Thou*rt free, ^now hasten haste awaf,^ ' ' " Already see the dawn of day " Is glimm'ring thro* yon casement grey. *' Here, place this turban on thy brow, *'' This mantle round thee, -quick, aha now ** Here take this ring of bloody hue, ^* 'Twill give thee passage safe and true " Through aU the giiafcK Mat^tllou ^S'meet^ " From this unto the Castle gate; ** Once there, thou'rtr safe, then boldly leap " Down from that^ higff and' roc^sreejT,-" '" " 56 MAID OF ARABY. " Which thou so late in evil hoitr '* Didst climb to reach my lonely bower ; " There safely moor*d thy bark still lies, " *Twill bear the^ swift across the sea, ** Far from Bel Razor's cruel eyes, " And far alas! too far from me. " Oh! Tadmor, canst thou Aoubt me still? ** No, by the cold, the freezing chill " That falls upon my withered heart, ** I swear, we must for ever parti. ** Drear was the lonely hour I spent " While musing on my soul's intent; ** On memory's waste I gaz'd in vain, * No ray of hope did there remain j ** The visions which my fancy wild ** Had conjur'd there no longer smil'd; ** My Jieart was still,-* no longer there ** Beat the yn\d pulse untam'd by care. MAID OF-ARABY. 57. * A dreary^ desert now it seems, " Where desolation's sickening dreams " In woful mockery of tlie past, " Alone their deadly influence cast. " Thus lone and drear in the wide world, ** On fate's dark billows rudely hurl'd^ " Without a starbeam shining o*er me " To shew the gulf that lay before me; " The hopes for which alone, I fain ** Would wish to live, no more remain J " My hopes, my joys, my prospects fled, " My bosom cold, my feelings dead, ** Yet Tadraor in that dreary hour " One darling thought its day-beam shed, " To free thee from my Father's power, " And liberate thy guiltless head From slavery's soul-debasing chain; " Scarce had it ^ash'd upon my braiii, * When starting from ray sleepiest beii ** In breathless eagerness X crept ** Close to hk 8ifb^'<-*nd.&ad^ too, ** This sigi^ from his finger drew, ** And from the helit tJiat round him clung ** Loosen*d^.kyto wliidihrhuag} ** Then fru my^m\r, ^ MAID OF ARABY. S9 " This mantk round me qiiickly threw, " Then down the narrow passage flew "^^^ ** That led me to thy dungeon door, " The guards I met the signet knew ** And gave m enti'ance safe and sure; " Thou know'st the rest now haste away, " And In thy plaee I here will stay, " And weep and pray For thee each hotif, it j'piji f^Y beyond my Pather^s po^^er " Tliou*st rejh'd thy native shore agattn', " Then dearest, best beIov*^d of ftn^nl " Haply thou*lt shed a tear for me "When far, far distant we shall be! **- In wonder mute the Warrior stood, While sorrow's tears In briny flood Ran down young Sara's pallid face,- And hung on every dimpled grace Like rain-drops on the Almond flower When water'd by the Summer shower, 60 MAID OF ARABY. ** What! *' cried the noble hearted Chief, ** What Sara! shall I basely fly " And leave Jthee here dissolved in grief,- " Beneath thy Father's curse to die? ** Oh! think'st thou I would meanly sav^ * My life at the expense of thine? ** No, sooner shall the welcome grave " Its arms for ever round me twine. * No, sooner will I perish here " Than ever cause one anguish'd tear ** To dim the lustre of that eye ; ** No Sara! rather let me die, *-" ** Than basely cast upon my name ** Such foul dishonor, and such shame. " Or think'st thou that thy haughty Sire " Would fail to pour upon thy head, ** The meed of vengeance and of ire ** He feels towards me if now I fled? '* MAID OF ARA?Y. 61 <* No Tadmor, tho' enrag'd with thee ** Still is he gentle,^ ^kind to me; ** Thou kttow'st him not--tho' fierce and wild " To others, yet he loves his child, * And would not fling a curse on mt " To b^ the Lord of earth and sea. " Then for thy Sara fear no more, * But haste, and fly from hence before " He waken, else thy fate is o'er j " For sure as e'er the orb of day " That now flings forth his orient ray " Goes to his ev'ning grave at night, " So sure thoult never feel its light " To-morrow dawn upon thy sight, " If here a moment more thou stay; " Now haste, in pity haste away, " Much more I could, but dare not tell, ** Already see, the morning ray, " One kiss now dearest, and Farewell! **-r 62 MAlb OF ARABY. Cold and unfeeling were the heart To which that Maid's impassion'd kis5 Could fail a transport to impart, " A dawn of that enraptur'd bliss To some few happy mortals giv**!!. As foretaste of the joys of Heav*h. ' He felt it all a burning thrill Of rapture, quelPd the icy chill That desolation laMy spread ' ' On his despairing heart, and shea Its baleful influence in,that hour. When Love, unwarm*d by feeling's power Grew cold beneath its chilling shower. Now rapture darted from his eye. Now pleasure thrilled in ev'ry sighj And like the semblance of the past That lingering hangs on memory's waste, Sweet hope that late so faintly beam'd Now pictur*d joys that brighter seem'd TT MAID OF ARABY, - 63 Than e'er before to his fond eye, Since first he heard his Sara's sigh. While gazing on the bhishing Maid, In accents wild, ^he wildly said ** No, blasted be that glorious light ** For ever in the gloom of night, ** And sunk the life-pulse of my heart, " If Tadmof ever from thee part; ^* In joy, or sorrow, still to cheer thee, " In life and death, for ever near theej * And if it be my doom to die, ** Death \yiU be sweet, if thou art nigh ; ** Or if it be my fate to live, ** 'Tis thou alone that life canst give; ** For oh I thei*e*s in thy lucid eye " Such melting love, such bliss about thee, " That 'twould be happier far to die, ^* To die at once than live without thee! ^ 6^ MAID or AEAit. " But Hark! what SoftM waS iliat?a^iin- It issues froto the Kail abo ve, ^^ ^^''^ *^ It seems the clashing noise of men " Contending there, nay, fear not Love! * Here thou art safe from all alarms, " Safe in thy own lov*d Tadmor's arms.*^ "Oh! Tadmor, 'tis for thee I fear, " Hist! *tis my Father's voice I hearj ** He comes to wreak on Inee alid me, *^ The full meed of his cruelty; ** He comes our breaking hearts to sever, ** Now we inust part and part for ever!" Scarce utter*d were these deathful words. When the wild uproar wilder grew. And shrieks of men, and clash of swords. With war-shouts from the Arab crew, And cries of " VictoryV' from some Resounded thro* each pillar'd dome. MAID OF ARABY. *Twas dreadful ure the fainting maid Her head on Tadmor's shoulder laid; In all the anguish of despair, Still her last hope was centfer*d there; A senseless statue there she seem'd. In whose fixed eye no glances beam'd. No ardent glow no throb of feeling Its life-pulse o*er her features stealing. The Warrior paus'd with anxious eye Gaz'd on the maiden silently. Then lingering stood the sounds to hdar That fell upon his fever'd ear, 'Till as the gathering tumult grew Near and more near, the shouts he knew Of his own gallant Tartar men. Like Lions in the Tiger's den, Madden*d, and raging for their prey. Sweeping each Arab slave away. 6i5 MAID OF ARABY, Hunting eagh dungeon furiously To find their gallant Chieftain out. While 'mid each cry of " Victory ** ** Tadmor** still *' Tadmor" ^^vas their shout. He heard the cry, and suddenly Led by his watch-lamp's glimmering light, A troop of Tartars furiously Burst forward on his wondering sight;-'^*-' ** Oh! my brave Chief!" the foremost cried, ** Dost thou then live? -then all is won, " Behold thy Warriors by thy side, * Come once again and iead us on ; " By Heav*n! we swear we will not rest ** Our swords but in an Arab's breast, ** Nor cease while of that cursed race *' On Iran's land remains a trace. * And in his den of treachery, ** Ev*n here their dastard Chief shall die. MAIB OF ARABY. ^7 " Now take my Prince, tliis sword and shield, Well dost tliou know those arms to wi^ldj " Bel K^zor lives *till he is gone Our glorious task is half undone I" " Yes, my brave friends! " the Chief replied, " Again I'll combat by thy side, " To crush this Arab in his den, " And wave our freeborn flag again " O'er hill and dale, and Isle and sea; " Now follow Warriors, follow me / " To death, or else to Victory.** So said the Chief, and forward sprung, 'Till Sara on his shoulder clung, * Oh! Tadmor, spate my Sire," she said, " Have pity on his aged head, " He did not mean to injure thee, " He did not touch thy precious life, ** If not for him, at least for me " Oh! spare him in this deathful strife, 98 MAI OF ARA^Y. ** Aud thy own Sara on her knee * Eacii jday, each hour^ will pray for thee.* * No Sara! now thou pray'st in vain, " Now I am Glory's slave again; ** Nay, hol4 ie ^<)t, ^by He^'n I swear * I will not now ^e Ara^) spare,, " Nor leave within this cursed tower " One slave to tell the noonday hour, * Off with thy hands thy pray'rs are vain, ** Now vengeance I am tliipe again."- Then springing forward, backward flung The fainting Maid who round him clung. And as he vanished ii*Qm Iter eye * Vengeance and Iran" was his cry. The Tartars followed with their Chief Unmindful of the ipaiden's grief, And rushing up the steps of stone There left the Arab maid alone. MAID OF ARABY. 69 Alone she lay lone ev'n in thought, Like the lost wretch to madness brought; Her hopes were o*er her joys were gone, Nor found her aching mem*ry One, One sunny spot to rest upon. *Twas a wild waste ^where Heav*n*8 beam Had ceas'd to shed one living gleam, A sunless desert lone and bare. Nor sense, nor feeling, linger 'd there; Where ev*n the light that reason gave Was quench'd in desolation's grave; And Love, and Hope, and Fancy's bloom Were wither*d on the mental tomb. Oh ! that a heart so pure, so light. Should ever feel such chilling blight, That heart which beat to fancy's thrill. So wild, so exquisite, is still; Cold as the icedrop that congeals The withered flow'r on which it steals. Ttr Maid oj* ARABY. Yet mid this wi'eck of Hope and love, Still rag*d the deathful strife above, Tlie clash of svvord and fainting cty Of wretches just before they die; Mingled with shouts of "Victory," And cries for mercy too from some. Resound* through ev'ry hall and dome. The Arab Chieftain 'mid the fray. Still kept his Tartar foes at hay, 'Till Tadmor through the struggling crew Rush'd forward on his wond'ring view. Then sunk the Spirit sunk the eye That lately glar'd so furiously, And backward shrinking from ilie fight Would faui escape his foe by flight. But vain the thought the Tartar ilie With fury raging in his eyes, On the dark Chief, who boldly turm'ng While vengeance in his bosom's burning, MAID OF ARABY* Strikes at the Tartar Chief a blow That dash*d the turban from his brow j He stagger'd back a moment, then Rush*d on Bel Hazor iierce again, And severed with his trusty brand The broadsword in the Arab's hand. Now Arab! prove thy prowess true. Or else the struggle thou shall rue^ Firm is his heart, and bold his brow. And strong the arm that grasps thee now; One struggle and his fate is o'er, Prostrate he lies upon the floor, And Tadmor standing o'er him, cries While vengeance lightens in his eyes, " Now, Arab, now thy doom is come, ** Now thou shall hasten to the tomb, ** Which late thou didst prepare for me, ^* Thus reap the fruits of treachery.*' 7S MAID OF ARABY. Already had the Chieftain flung The golden belt that round him clung, Already was the sword uprais'd While mute around the Warriors gaz*d, A moment more, Bel Razor's life Had paid the forfeit of the strife, ' When with a wild, heartpiercing shriek, Deep, desperate, as from maniacs break, When fancy places in their cell The form of one belov'd too well. Young Sara darted in, and fell At Tadmor's feet, there pale she lay In the low state of life's decay. As if hef Spirit's self had fled; * Oh! spare my Sire" 'twas all she said, And clinging to the Warrior's knee In all the* excess of agony, pix'd on his eye her ghastly stare. To see if mercy linger'd there 1 MAID OF ARABY. 73 Oh ! not a moment conld he brook That suppliant's agonizing look, But raising up the fainting Maid * Sara, thy Father lives" ^he said, * The battle's won Vengeance is o'er, '* He lives though Justice may deplore " And mourn the boon that Mercy gives, " Yet Sara, for thy sake he lives. " Oh! if his stubborn heart this hour *^'^'1^ '* ** Be open to affection's power, ** He'll feel how vain 'tis to withstand " The prowess of* the Patriot hand, " That's rais'd to guard his native land. '* For in that deed each tender tie " That binds the human heart doth lie, *' Friends, home, and Country, all combin'd, *' All form'd to urge the noble mind * By ev'ry hope to Nature dear, " Through life its sunbxight course to steer, 7(4 MAID OF ARABY. " And Heav'n itself will ever smile " Benignant on the Patriot's toil, < A,nd dear to AUa's self is he " That bleeds and dies for Liberty. Now Arab! thou art free again, " Go, with thy few remaining mei^ <* Return unto thy native land, " There spend the remnant of thy days, ** Nor ever dare again to raise " 'Gainst Iran's sons a hostile br^d. " Barks thou shalt have to bear thee o'er " To Araby's sweet sunny sliore, ** There bid thy brawling spirit cease, * And cultivate the arts of peace j * Twice have I conquer'd thee in strife, " Twice have I spar'd thy forfeit life, * But should*st thou Arab! ever dare * To tread our land with steps impure, MAli) OF ARABY. 75 "^* Now by this bloodstain'd sword I swear, Thy life shall be the forfeiture!*' By overwhelming wrath o*erbome Answer'd the Chief--" thy threats I scorn, " Soon will ray Chiefs from Araby " Spread their red-flags o'er Oman's Sea, " And d^ve thee boaster and thy men " Back to thy mountain holds again." " Unnurtured Arab! " Tadmor said " Here, kneel before this weeping maid, (" Unworthy as thou art, to be " The Parent of such excellence,) " Here turn and bend thy recreant knee, " And thank thy fair deliv'rer, since " To her alone thou ow'st thy life; " Oh! never more may lawless strif^ ** Disturb the quiet of that breast " Where Virtue's brightest feelings resti 76 Maid oP arabt. Then in ?i low heart-melting tone, ** Oh! Sara, 'tis for thee alone, * For thee dear mistress of my lieart, * My bosom bleeds, ^we now must part.- ** Far from thy Tadmor thou must be, ** And he for ever lost to the^.** He paus'd ^heart-rending thoughts o*erbore His feelings, and he could no more, But gazing mutely round on all, Tum*d si^h*d and left the Tower hall. Some feelings haunt the mouldering heart. Though life itself is fast decaying; In joy, or grief, they i^ever part, Still smiling bright, and still betraying. Oh! is it this that Sara feels, Although her heart is madly breaking: That o'er her now in silence steals. And calms her bosom*s deadly aching? MAli) DF ARABY. 7t Too sure some secret heav*nly powet* Upholds her now when love is shaded, And soothes her spirit in this hour When all her hopes of bliss are faded. Love, hope^ and joy, and fancy's glo# Quench'd in the chill of desolatioii. Still her young heart though faint and low, ThrilPd to her feelings* agitation. "^ A Parent saved, though dark, severe. The pangs of filial love are ovet, And hope is smiling through each tear That falls for her unhappy Lover. The early blush of dawning day Had scarcely ting*d yon mountains grey, When Tadmor's gallant Warriors gave Their bounding barks to Oman's wave. They saw their Chief the night before 'Steer his light bark from Persia's shore ^ 7^ MAID OF ARABY. And anxiously all night they stood Gazing upoii the Green Sea flood, But all in vain they watch, and stand, His bark returned not to land. By various doubts and fears opprest^ They could not calm their thoughts to rest, And e'en before the morning's smile Could guide them to this lonely Isle, They launched their boats on Oman's sea, Hesolved th^ir gallant Chief to free Befo'rfe the close of morning's hour. If in the cruel Arab's power. Thus led by fate, tkey boldly breast The rockway path, with vengeance wann, Whilst all above in safety rest Unconscious of th' approaching storm. But what a deep, terrific shock Fell on each heart, as lone they stand, MAID OF ARABY/ 79" When low upon the naked rock They find their Chieftain's broken brand 1 Then desperate was the horror cry That o'er the sea-beach wildly rung, '* We'll free our noble Chief, or die." And to th' unguarded walls they sprung j And quickly gain'd the inner yard. Where calmly slept the Arab guard, And rushing onward furiously ^ o.icVlC Soon set their gallant Chieftain free, i-* .. - - The day was almost spent, before Had ceas'd that tumult's madd'ning roar. And now all's calm and still again j . ,. , . Bel Hazor and his Arab men Are waiting 'till the morning's spring The promis'd Tartar boats shall bring. To bear them over Oman's Sea, To the sweet shore of Araby. 80^ MAID OF ARABY. Aiid Sara wrapt in sorrow deep. Sits iiit h^ IfW^^ly bower to weep^ While Tadmor still with cares opprest Flings on a coiich his, limbs to rest j But vain Uie effort to restrain The fQW of his troubled brain y There images of horror come. Like spectres fliMiog o'er the tomb Of some forgotten passenger. Whose bones lie dark and mould 'ring there. His guards are pacing round the walls. Watching the moon-beam as it falls On the calm sea- wave beauteously; ^While not a sigh from sea or shore Is breathing one dark murmur o'er This lovely Isle of Oman's Sea. On the Green Sea wave the sun-b earns lie. And brilliant and bright eajch beam appe^s. Like the first love glance of the youthful eye Ere dimm'd by the stain of sorrow's tears* The beauteous clouds, like the Isles of gold That hang o*er the vales of Perlstaii,^ Their sun-bright forms to the eye unfold As they float o'er the bowers of Suristan.' The young gazelles from their leafy beds Are bounding wild down the mountains* side, Or darting o'er th' enamell'd meads To cool their feet in the Summer tide > . While the morning breezes light and free. From the flow'rs that bloom on the banks of Hij*,^ Are wafting across the sun-bright sea The fragrant sweets from the Land of Myrrh.^ , I Provinces of Persia, 2 Hir, 8 river in Pcrsiai 3 Sak*- 82 MAID OF ARABY. The dark war-clouds that so lately hung^ Over Persia's land are fled afar, And Peace her pinions wide has flung From the Caspian Sea to Candahar.* Oh! sweet are the sounds at morning's hour That fall on the ear in that lovely lanjd. And sweet are the songs from each rosy bower, And precious the thoughts those sounds command. Soon as the dawn of morning's planet Has burst on the lily's golden flowers. The Bulbul leaves the tall pomegranate To sing in his own sweet rosy bowers. While the beautiful Sultanas wing Their airy course from tree to tree, Now from the tamarinds they spring To beds of sweet aiiemone; Where the jasmine beauteously entwines Its wreaths around th* acacia bowers, 1 A Province and City f Persia on the river Hit. J^IAID OF ARABY. 8S And tliere the Camalata shines. All lovely with its rosy flowers. Bright are the gems on the Green Sea shore, And brilliant they shine in the morning's ray, When the Summer sun-beam's shining o*er Its waters, rich in the blaze of day. And sweet are the fragrant zephyrs then That fan the air by land and sea, As they breathe o'er the vales of Sigistans Their hoards of sweets from Araby. Yet brighter far are the sparkling eyes That shine in Persia's land of love, And sweeter far are the balmy sighs That waft their prayers to Heav'n above. Their lovely tresses dark and bright, # ^ Shine like the raven's glossy wing, Their guiltless hearts as free and light, And careless aj the rose of spring. 2 A PrcTlnce tnd City of Persia on the Hintlnien^, ^4* MAID Ol^ ARABY. Oh! happy land! where mutual blUs Entwines each heart in lasting ties, And all the links of happiness Unite in one that never dies. Diffusing sweets, the western breeze Sighs softly through the Amra tree> That line yon lonely Islet's sidi6; And roving over beds of roses. Where still the morning dew repots. Sweeps lightly o'er the summer tide. The morning beam rose fair and sheet! On hill and vale, and wooded green; And many a heart with hope elate, Superior to the frowns of fate, Edfcatic thr^bb'd with liveli^l" thrill, ^s rose that beam on dale and hill ; Yet there are hearts ev*n at that hoiqr That oft confessed its magic power, MAID OF ARABY. 85 And joyM its beauties to behqldj Yet now so motionless and cold. So shrouded in their souls' despair. They cannot find a pleasure there. Scarce dawn*d the morning beam, when rose The Tartar Chieftain from repose. With hurried-step and fever'd eye He pac'd the rock-path wistfully. And anxious gaz'd upon the Sea And the white shores of Araby, To which his Sara soon must go f'v And leave him hears' d in ceaseless woe. Oh! lasting grief, when fate hath left The heart of ev'ry hope bereft, When on the waste of memory No verdant spot is seen to lie, W'^nok No sunny beam the breast to cheer Or chase reflection's ^add'niag teav ; . M mB MAm OF ARABY. Lom as the flower that's seent to w^ve At night, tAID OF ARABV# The Arab Chief has ris'n from rest Still with perplexing thoughts opprest; While from her sleepless couch, his child All beauteous, amiable, and mild, Had started at the dawning hour^ And in hei* own deserted bower Sat, gazing on the Green-sea wavej How happy! had it provM her grave When first from her beloved shore Her cruel Sire had brought her o'er, And flung upon her innocent heart Eternal anguish, gnef, and shame. Stains, that thfougii life will ne'er depart,^ But still for ever brand hi^s name. But see, afar! what flags are these That gaily flutter in the bueeze? What barks that with such furious haste Are bounding o'er the watery waste, MAID OF ARABY. 95 And guided by the morning's smile Steer full upon the lonely Isle? Not these the barks fVom Persia's shore To bear the Arab Warriors o'er, Wliich Tadmor bade should ready be To waft them hence to Araby; Oh! no, those blood-red flags I ween, That yet afar, are plainly seen, Waving like flowrets o*er a tomb. Proclaim too well from whence they come. Arm, Tartars, arm, the foe is near, I ' Uird on the sword, and seize the spear. Now toss aloft your banners brave, The foe is coming o'er the wave j Never hath fierce Arabia sent So terrible an armament. As now, with desperate speed the while Is bearing on your lonely Isle. 96 MAID OF ARABY. Wide o'er the Green Sea wave they spread Their blazing banners bloody red. And favour *j(|b^tli by wind ^^ ti4nn hi " One lingering look he upwards cast,. One last, 4ong look upon the past. MAID OF ARABY. Ill ,!, *Till she who was for ever nigh Jlush'd on his aching memory, . ico'i e/f.^ i.ro ,:!qrfijiiTt lob^CMfs 9?^^ Recalling thoughts now past away -- - - - '^*,y^p^it4^i^'^^ Like sunshine on a stormy day, , . . .:T55ciQ\f oi^j u^;^ ^sioi i&di ilgiiQidX *' Sara, farewell!** ^he wildly said, " Now, now our breaking hearts must sever, * The last lone pulse of hope is dead, .b> ,h b*ioflOfl odi '. j-fcdmam id " *Tis past *tis o'er thus then for ever-*-** ' And rushing tlirough the iV.rab bands - a - ^noa giH His darkening way awhile he fought, . ^ill from a thousand coward hands . :'_ ' J-LZ:^- '.hi nciidliiO'i^l He met the death he bravely sought ; : . ' 'ifjiqqBfl oT And bending 'neath unnumbered blows Tj- iiiBv/ H'C it j)im .^Unnui mot"^ ,9gioirf ffloil Jtle sunk at once m endless night. While his freed spjirit buoyant rose ; diftA a^T To realms of everlasting light j b erit ;ft5l 9Ysii Where sorro^^, anguish, care or paioo ^i^J i^ik Shall never wound his heart a^ain : 11 MAID OF ARABY. rrr .yk/: oiai/: The night has fall'n on dale and hill, And all is lonely, drear and still ; n do ' , The shout of triumph, and the roar . , ,._ Of battle, now are heard no more; Through that lone glen the western breeze Scarce stirs the slumb'ring aspen trees, ,, '^ ^ ! - ; ; '.) "'WT ,v7oX '* Thai seem their sweetest tears to shed '/;f, ?! ':r:nrf to c ' ": '^rrol^JgBl ^ifT * In memory to the honor'd dead. The Nightingale that lov'd to pour His song of love va yonder glen, ^ ^ - .,r,, ,^A o-; 'l];rv/- yn77 7^f:;.( 'ilDD 8lfl- Since that sad hour was heard no more .. Breathing his heavenly strains again j To happier climes he fled afar , , -.. , r From noise, from tumult, and from war, - ^r The Arab Chieftain and his n^ 11^-^:^^ olixiW Have left the desolated, glen, ^ralu*i oT And darkly clos'd thrSBa^W'fjigfTf '''''' ^''^'^^ On the pale gleams of fadihg li^h^ ^''^'^^''^" ^^^^^ MAID OF ABA^y. 113 The close of that ^astrous day, j, oi -iJi^o^ nVi As back they wend their darkening way* To the lone tower their course they steer ?t oPf Since there a pledge their Cliief had left. Still to his hard, hard bosom dear, Though of each brighter feeling reft. And as his eye with pleasure beam'd On the dread scene his hand had trac*d. To other eyes than theirs ^he seem*d 7 lo n. Like the wild Demon of the waste. Steering his devastating course Untam*d by sorrow or remorse. Throughout that desolate valley wide Lone silence reign*(J o^ ev'ry sidej It seem*d as though the hand of death Had fairn upon each living thin^:- ?ti' And not a sound, and not a breath. Through that lone glen was murmuring? "^l* MAID OF ARABY. No song to soothe the slumberer's rest, No flower to bloom upon his breast ; No tear to dew his clay-coid cheek, No sigh the dreary gloom to break, No balm to scent the slumbering air. And all was desolation there. r J But brighter tears will soon be ffiv*n , r , . Than ever fall from human eyes, r n' ^ !>0T^ fsnio o I The tears of weeping Saints in Heav'n On Freedom's glorious sacrifice. ^ . , ,. And brighter beams shall cheer his dream. And holier sighs his slumbers fan, And sweeter shall such incense seem * ^ Than aught \vas ever breath 'd by man. And see, the beauteous orb of night Is rising brightly in the East, Flinging its silver beams of light On the Jone Waniores pulseless breas^. MAID OF ARABY. 115 And many a diamond tear begems His pallid brow as lone he lies, Bright as the sparkling diadems That grace the Seraphs of the skies. But see that form, light, free, and fair, Like some inhabitant of air Light bounding o'er the redgrass there! Mark, how she steals along the grjen With hurried step, disorder'd mienj Her raven hair, long, glossy, bright, '-* '-- - Floating dishevell'd in the light! Her wild eye glancing darkly round. Now pausing, bent upon the ground Now sternly fix*d on vacancy. Now turned upon the moonlit sky, As if she mark*d some object there That sooth*d her bosom's fell despair! 1 tS I ^ixm OF Aft Am, No, Sara! no, there's nothing now^ Can calm thy heart, dr cool thy brotr; No earthly power cafn ikm" restrain The raging feter of thy brain^ Or bring thy long lost peace again. How happy was thy mom of life! How free from sorrow, care or strife! When o'er the meads belov'd so well,- Thou'st sported with thy dear gazelle. And joy*d to see ife soft black eye Still tum*don thine so tenderly; While round its brow a band thou'st wreathed Of flowers on which the moon had breath'dj Then peaceful by some mountain stream Thou'st lain and slept thy happy dream ; Or in thy lov'd acacia bowers Beguil'd with song the ling'ring hours, MAID OF ARABY, 117 While fancy hung in wonder mute On the sweet echoes of thy lute; And ev'ry life-pulse in thy breast The throb of h^piness confest, A'^id evVy thought that bless'd thy youth Was drawn from innocence and truth, "While thy young heart light, pure, and free As the bright pearl in Oman's Sea, Felt not a wish beyond tlie care That bound thee in enchantment there, Where fancy deck'd with fairy finger The spots on which she lov'd to linger. How chang'd, alas! how altered now. How cold that heart, how pale that brow! How sunk the lustre of those eyes That stole their glances on the heart, Soft, melting gleams, as summer skies Fling from their orbs before they part! 51 118 MAID OF ARABY* Cold, dark and senseless now she seems, Uncheer*d by Hope's oi- Fancy's beams; Unguided by Religion's light. And sear'd by sorrow's dead'ning blight j Yet in the gashes of her eye Though strange and wild, you might descry Somewhat of Heaven's holier light That burst upon her soul's dark night, - And seem'd to tell, though lingering here Her spirit sought another sphere. All day she sat, and! wept alone Her Tadmor's sorrows and her own ; Nor heard she 'till the close of day Tlie horrors of th' infuriate frayj , But when she saw her Sire returning With pleasure in his glances burning. And heard those Icud triumphant cries Tliat echoed to the vaulted skies MAID OF ARABY. 119 Fi?om yon embattled field, oh! then Conviction flash*d upon her brain ; With madness raging in her eyes Across the lonely plain she flies And to the desolate valley hies. Where stream'd around on ev'ry side Dark currents_of that crimson tide. Which freedom's sons had drawn and shed. Before their freebom spirits fled. Oh ! there are hearts through grief, despair. That still live on untam'd by care; Hearts of such coarse unhallowM mould. So dead, so senseless, and so cold, lliat eY*n the woes which others chill, But make them harder, sterner still. Alike to them affetion*ai smile. Keen sorrow's pang, or pleasure *s wile. 120 MAID OF ARABY, Alike to them the sweets of life. Its joys, its sorrows, or its strile, tike rocks upon the Green Sea shore By wave and sunshine wafted o'er. Alike immoveable they lie Tliough each their separate influence iff. !But Sara! *twas not thus with thee, . *rhy heart could feel its misery. As true it felt grief's icy chill As late it throbb'd with rapture's thrill, f And to a heart so soft, so pure, *Twas more than ev'n it could endure! By her lost Tadmor's side she stands, With aching heart and lifted hands; Her straining eye where madness burn'd Now bent on him, now upwards turn'd, As if in that blue arch to spy Some refuge from her misery. BIAID OF aRABY. 121 No sigh escap'd her anguishM breast^ No tear her agony confest; Her burning brain whose aching throb Was echoed by the wilder sob That burst convulsive from her heart. As with it, life itself would part; Her burning brain could scarce supply One tear to cool her fever'd eye. A few short minutes there she stood, Gaz'd on his face all 'smear'd with blood, Then with a shriek, terrific shrill. That echoed round from dale and hill, * Tadmor! I come I come" she cried. And pressing to his clay-cold side Like a pale flower, sunk to the earth and died!* HAMET THE ARAB> d TJtJE. 'IviittAli- ** JTai nag6 dans le sang"; quele sang coule encore;** La Henriade de VoUaire, ^>V%%^^^0|J '^^%^%^%%*^% The midnight moon illum'd the wave That roll'd o'er Hermon's lonely grave, And many a starbeam beauteously ^.^t^' Was glancing on the dark blue sea. As Hamet's bark flew swiftly o'er The waters to Arabia's shore. It seem'd as though the peaceful light Had come to bless the cheerless night. To bid those ghastly spectres fly That haunt the woe-struck mourner's eye, And chase from hearts consum'd by care The hateful phantoms of despair. 126 HAMET fHE ARAB. But brighter far that light from Heav'n To guiltless bosoms only giv*il, That light, eternal and refiiiM, iThat dwells within the vacant miiad, That soothes the heart and calms the breast. And jflings upon our hours of rest Such visions, as' at first blit seem The phantasms of a fairy dreanl. Such bliss shall never Hamet knaw< His joy is past his doom is woe ; His breast by guilty passions riv'n. His thoughts to vengeance only giv'n, Alike unfit for Earth or Heav'n; His iron heart unus'd to feel Is sterner than the stubborn steel That's temper*d in the bloodstain*d brand He grasps within his murderous hand. No generous grief his^ bosom sears^, No son*ow wrouglit by pity's tears, HAMET THE ARAB. 127 The pangs that wring his guilty breat In vengeance only can have rest; The hectic fluslies that I trace Dark flashing o*er his sallow face. Betray the workings of a mind To shame, and sin, and guilt resign*d. Unlike oh I how unlike the heart Consum'd by sinless sorrow's dart, His breast*s the residence of care> His woe is guilt his hope despair. ^' *Tis well, he drinks the salt sea-wave, ^* I would not give him ev'n a grave, ** Nor resting place however sm^l *' To hold his hated .corse withal ; u ^y vengeance would he poor indeed ^ Unless I saw and felt him bleed, ** Unless I mark,*d his glazing eye ^* Grow dim with inwai^l agony. 128 ITAMlfiT THE ARAB. ** And felt tTi6 deathdamp on that brot'i^ ** That frown'd so !ate on all below; " I saw it all ^the qmv*ring tongue ** On which th' half utter*d accents hun^, ** The eye-ball dim the ghastly stare ** The look the visage of despair; ** His pallid cheek where late the blood " Had roird its hot, impetuous floods * Convuls*d with painful agony ** Was more than joy, 'twas bliss to st^ ** Ohl how I fed upon the sight, " How feasted even to delight! * When gazing I beheld my foe " The one on earth I hated-^low, ** Gasping beneath my vengeful hand " His life-blood quivVing on my brand. " Yet Hermon, was it Ttind in me .* To set thy hated spirit free; HAMET THE ARAB. 129 * To roam through realms of bliss abore " 'Mid scenes of happiness and love 5 ** I should have kept thee still below ** And taught thee by experience woe; * No matter now enough thou'rt gone ** And I am left to rule alone, " 0*er glory's wave to guide the helm " Sole master of a conquer'd realm, ** Now then revenge shall have its fill, ** And mine is thirsting even still." The bark approach'd the silent shore And Hamet bounded lightly o'er. Like lightning sped across the strand And join'd his own impatient band. How calm, how beautiful the hour. When winds and waves have lost their power! ISO HAMET THE ARAB* \Vh$n over e^rth, and air, and sea Reigns a profound tranquillity, And not a sigh disturbs the calm That hre?^thes around its blissful balmj When Q*er the peace-enamour'd tide The moon flings forth its radiance wide^ 'Till ey'n the warring wild'winds seem LuU'd Jiy the splendors of its beam* Whilst wave* that. lately l^h*d the shore Now roll their waters softly o*er. In gentle, undulating flow* As if Uiey felt for human woej Or that the spirit etf the ealm Hdl hrea^*d this sw^cta amhrosial bahuj, To t^l y^ nvan f guilt and sin^ Th^x>*s peacQ withoutthough ^yar wi*hiu* AU*s stiU npe>n the land and wave* Cfehft ^i fy^ ?lumhQr of the gravc^ ttAMET tti^ ARAB. 131 Calm as the mourner's aching breast When all within is hush'd to i^est* Sueh was the scene and such the houf When Hamet sought his Lihda*s boWei' The mountain echoes as he spgd Scarce ansiwer'd to his hasty ti'Cad, As wending down its rugged side His native home at length he Spied. Oh! sweet's the sigh that swells the heart, And bright the tear that loVes tD Start* When after toils and datigers past We view our long-lov'd home at last.^ Sensations Surely all must feel* But Hamet's is a heart of steel, Though banish'd long each fond tegrei This tehder feeling lingers yet, 1 O quid solutis est bcatius ("uris ! Cum mens onus repoiiit, ac pcregrind Labore fessi yenimus Larem ad nostrum^ Desiderato<}ue acquiescimus iccto. Catullus. Carm. sxxiii 152 HAJVIET THE AKAB. To view the scenes where once he mov'd. To clasp the wife he fondly lov'd. And still to his dark bosom dear The boy he left behind him here ; How sweet such dreams of happiness! But Hamet ne'er shall taste such bliss j No banner's flying on his wall. No warder gives the signal call. No joyful band with pride elate Are come to meet him at the gate, ITie echoes of his bugle horn Unanswered o'er the vale are borne. With beating heart, and wandering eye. He gazes round him silently. As o*er each lonely turret bright The moonbeams fling their trembling light, Revealing In each mouldering tower The ruins of his fallen power. HAMET THE ARAB. 133 As if to tell 'mid all was fair That desolation had been there j But on the surface of the deep In blest tranquillity they sleep, And on its peaceful bosom lie Like visions of futurity 7 To youth's enthusiastic eye. No voice replied to Hamet's call As lone he strode across the hall. No heart with unexpected bliss Was there to beat reply to his, No well known voice delights his ear With music that was once so dear. Nor wife, nor child was there to greet His widow'd heart with welcome sweet. ** Linda!" th* half mutter'd accents feM In silence still more horrible. The owlet's terrifying scream As startled from its moody dream s '134< HAMET THE^ARAJB. It flapp*d its heavy wig around, Was all the answer Hamet found. That moment o'er his guilty head The moon her silver radiance shed. And starting as the sudden light Wide flashed upon his aching sight, What agonies his lifeblood freeze^ When gazing madly round^ie sees Prostrate upon the crimson floor His Linda weltering in her gore! And by their breathless mistress* side The faithful slaves that for her died, Each held a da^er in his grasp. And strain*d it with convulsive clasp. Wild was the shriek of fell despair That bfoke the awful stillness there, As Hamet by his Linda's side Yet reeking with the crimson tide That flowed in streams around her, cried HAMET THE ARAB. 135 *' My Linda! Linda!** but in vain, She ne*er shall hear that voice again. No, Hamet! no the die is cast. Thy hopes are o*er thy joys are past. With clenched hands and bended knee, And eye that spoke his agony, Not looking to offended Heav*n, But on his Linda's bosom riv*n. Lost Hamet lies and in his face Such ghastly lineaments I trace As time I ween shall ne'er efface; Dark horror, madness and despair. With sin and guilt are lurking there, And in his eyes' unhalldw'd gleam That flashes on the moon's pale beam Like lightning o^er a wintry stream, I read the movements of a soul ^VTiere woe and guilt alternate roll. 136 EtAMET THE ARAB. '* Merciless fiend!" at length he cries^ While fury sparkles in his eyes, " No thought of rest shall Hamet know, '* No respite from his inward woe, " *Till on thy hated head he wreaks " The vengeance that his bosom seeks ** For this lost innocent and here ** With hand upon her corse I swear, " By the pure blood that warm*d that breasfe ** Never to taste a minute*^ rest, " Never to know a pause from care * *Till from thy murderous heart I te^F * The last life-pulse that lingers there; " Blest Alia! grant me tMs, before ** I die and Hamet asks no more" With curses that the heart would freeze FaH'n Hamet on his bended knees, ITAMET THE ARAB. 13 i With heart and soul to vengeance giv'n Invokes the aid of angry Heav'n ; Dark flashed his glaring eye the while As fixed upon the placid smile That play'd upon his Linda's lips, From whence the frozen life-blood drips, Though pale, and cold and lifeless now, Death's icy chill upon her brow. And clos*d, for ever clos'd those eyes That held each heart in fond surprise, And lost the music of that breath. Still seems she beautiful in deaths And fancy fain would think she slept. But then stern Hamet ne'er had wept,* And Hamet wept! ^lie did not weep When late across the rolling deep Unmov'd by pity or remorse. He dragg'd his lifeless rival's corse 138 HAJVPST THK AKAB. Yet reeking from its earthly grave And plungM it in the foaming wave, ^ ^-^noriv To seek amid tli storD^ s^ Refuge from man's malignity. No tear shed haughty Hamet then^^ , But Hamet ne'^r l^^ ,)^:Qep againj.^ ,^^. The only drop he ever shed , ^^ ^.^ ii^oiil Was pour'd upon his Linda's head. " My murder'd >^Ijyr^l' W^>yp.^ he prie4 And dash*d the recreant tear aside, But started, as a fearful shout Loud echoed from tl^?;^ val^ without Burst on his ear, instant the brand Is flaming in his blood-red hand; His glaring eye's wide flawing fire Betrays his yet unchillM desire, And secret, unrelenting hate. As if he spum*d the frowns of fate, HAMET THE ARAB. 139 As if the dangers he had past An amulet had round Win cast, That bound him with a magic spell And render*d him invincible. Rous'd by the wellknown battle call He darted from the silent hall, And gazing down the vale beneath Beheld across the moonlit heath With sabres flashing in the light, fit^itri s i i An Arab band for battle dight Rushing with fury from the height. Hamet beware the hour is nigh That seals thy wayward destiny, No valiant band is near thee now To guard from foes thy frontless brow, No faithful hand no ready arm To shield thee in the dread alarm. 140 HAMET THE ARAB. But woe aud death, and vengeful wrath. And infamy, are in thy path. Who leads yon band of warriors brave That come like Ocean's stormy wavt Shouting across the moonlit glen That echoes to their shouts again ? His features I have mark*d before In distant lands, ^but then they bore Tlie tokens of maturer age, And seem'd to boast its signet sage; I err they're but the semblance fair Of features I have seen elsewhere; Upon his youthful brow I read No trace of any warlike deed, Though by his eyebeam's dazzling fire I guess he bums with noble ire. And longs to prove 'mid war's alarm The prowess of his youthful arm. HAMET THE AEAB. 141 Though all unknown his state and name. His mien a Chieftain's rank might claim, As rushing from the mountain's head His faithful Arab band he led. Who meets hin^*/in the vale below ? 'Tis Hamet by. his scowling brow, Like rock upon the ocean strand Unmov*d unaw'd, I see him stand With naked broadsword in his hand', " His heart as firm as fixed his eye, As if his valiant clan were nigh. As rush'd his clansmen by his side. Forth flew the youthful Chief, and cried " Hold, warriors ! hold, to me belongs ^' The right t 'avenge, a Parent's wrongs, ** And from yon traitor's heart to drain " The best lifeblood that warms his vein, T 142 HAMET THE ARAB, " Or spill the last that flows in mine, *' Now vengeance, I am wholly thine I*' And rushing on bis steady foe, First dash*d the turban from his brow, And guided by the moon's pale light, That o'er the valley floated bright. Cleft at a blow the vulture plume That wav'd o'er Hamet's brow of gloom, Flash'd the red fire from Hamet's eye Dark lowering on his enemy Waving his broadsword to the sky " Perdition catch that arm" he cried, And plung'd it in the warrior's side, Tlien backward drew it as he stood Yet reeking with the crimson blood. And holding high the streaming blade; " Lmda ! thou art reveng'd" he said, HAHET THE ARAB, 14S " The hand that drew thy spotless gore ** Shall never grasp a sabre more.*' -- Down fell the youth his closing eye Fix'd on his foeman heavily, And ere his ready band c. uld fly T'ayenge their leader's death of die, ** My friends,** he sigh'd, a moment cease " And let Alnathan die in peace** * Alnathan, ha 1'* lost Hamet cried. And shriek'd, *till all the valleys wide Echoed again from side to side, * Yes, traitor, yesj Alnathan dies, ** But from his blood shall vengeance ri^e, * And Hamet on thy guilty head >*^ Revenge the dying and the dead. But oh I the anguish thus to die ^* Unknown ^ttnmark*d by destiny. <( 144< HAMET THE AB * Untitled in the lists of fame, " No glorious deed to gild my name " Or save me from the coward's sb^mfi ** Too weak to guard ^too late to save '* A paren'i fri>m a timeless grave, ** Lorn as the sod op which he lies ** The hapless son of Hamet dies!** No hand can trace the agony That writhM in Hamct's hollow eye. As dropping on his bended knee And letting fall the deathful brand. He gra^'d Alnathan's dying h^id. And ere his spotless soul had flown With look would melt a heart of stone Murmur'd aloud " my son my son !*'-^ Alnathan op'd his glazing eye And grasp*d his hand convulsively. Then pointing to the moonlit sky HAMET THE ARAB. "145 1* Father ! \ve part be all forgiv'n ** Since not on earth we'll meet in Heav'a" A smile across his features past, 4 It was his brightest a ad his last. Dark as that everlasting bed Where rests the weary wanderer's head, Secure from wind, and stoma and show*r. Was Hamet's soul in that dread hour. His heart by pangs alternate riv'n. Ne'r cast a mercy glance to Heav*n, That Heav*n that lends a willing ear To each repentant'sinner*s pray'r. The saving mercy of whose plan Is ne'er withheld from sinful man. He spoke not, mov'd not, ^but the trace Of deadly horror pal'd his face. And in his eyes' convulsive roll 1 view the anguish of his soul, 14ff HA>1ET THE ARA. As gewing on his lifeless boy His early pride^-his Linda's joy, Now eold and pulseless on the earth And sped by him who gave him birth j He^rt there may be such pangs can bear. But even hk h broken there. The maon that late so s^yeetly shone Has ^t its brightest beams are gone. Dark olauds obscure the peaceful light That late had cheer*d the joyless night. In, gloomy masses swift tliey fly And shadow o*er the difeii'd sky, A^uimng UQW gigantic fomn And ^ill p Now hissing on the dark blue wave That opens like a yawning grave^ Now quiv'ring on the lofty rock That late had own'd the thunder's shockj Its streaming radiance gave to view Tne horrors of each scene anew* The blazing clouds like burnish'd gol4 Far to the west in masses roU'd* Reflecting on their sombre fold The bluefork'd lightning's vivid glare That play'd upon their surface there j And as the fiery flashes roll Thundf 'd tile HeaVen's from pole tc pole 14S HAMsrr th"e arab, WMy dark, and desperate was the roar Of winds and waves upon the shore. The raging billows mountains high Heav'd their broad bosoms to the sky. Then sudden sunk with sullen motiou In the dark caverns of the ocean ; ^ As if the spirit of the deep Had waken *d from his peaceful sleep, And join'd the war-fiend's stormy power To rule the horrors of the hour. So dreadful was the mingled cry Of elements, from eaith to sky. As if a thousand spirits there Let loose from Hell, rode on the air, And flung upon the midnight blast Their screaming voices as they past. Long rag'd the storm ^the thunder's gfoao Mix'd with the \vild ^vind*s hollow moan HAMET THE ARAB. 149, Jell on the ear, like boding ciy Of some (Lead spirit from the sky To warn the sinner doom*d to die. Far, bright, along the dark sky dancinff I raark'd the mtteor flashes glancing, But not a starbeam lent its light To gild the horrors of the night. And not a single moon beam gave Its radiance to the stormy wave. The raven's shrieks were heard aloncj Wlien ceas*d the thunder's hollow groa. And in its fateful pa^se for breath They sounded like the shrieks of deatju The frighten' d sea bird sc^feam'd afar And fled the elementat war. Who stands upon yon naked rock And seems to brave the te^npest's shook? u 150 ha:met the akab. His dreary, gaunt, and ruin*d form, Like th* angry spirit's of the storm. With heart as stranger to repose Seems brooding over inward woes. I marked him by the lightning's .fj-Iare In sullen silence standing there. The lonely image of despair. Thus gloomy, dark, and stain'd with blood. The first unrighteous murderer stood. And gaz'd upon his brother's corse With heart unriven by remorse! With folded arms and upcast eye He gaz'd upon the stormy sky, *^^ ^^^ * Nor seem'd to reck the tempest's rage That play'd upon his brow' of age. But bar'd his bosom to the storm That roai-'d around his lonely form. HAMET THE ARAB, 151 His eye was sunk ^his cheek was pale, His dark hair trembled in the gale, No turban on his head he wore No sabre in his hand he boi-e,- Alone ^unarm'd, yet undismay'd, With hands across his bosom laid, Hears*d in his mental agony He stood in speechless miseiy, Nor spoke save to the winds that bore His darksome words unheeded o'er. As desperate as the thoughts that rest Within that hopeless,. peaceless breast; For peace with guilt can linger never And hope has fled and fled for ever, ^ * * The storm had ceas'd the winds were hush*d| The darlv sea-wave no longer rush*d. The wild bird's shrieks were heard no more. 3till was the thunder's sullen roar, i5S HAMET THE ARAB, And Nature paus'd in silence dread Around the guilty sinner's head. The thunder clouds have pass'd away That veiPd the nlghtbeam*s cheering ray, And left yon sky unclouded, bri^t, And studded with the orbs of r.ight. Ko sound is heard o*er land or wave. And all is silent as the grave; Such stillness as at night is spread Around the mansions of the dead. When all are lull'd to rest, save those That darldy brood o*er guilty woes. Amid the cdm the western breeze That floated o'er the slumb'rlng seas. Soft music wafted as it sigh'd That length'ning into distance died, While thus a voice loud, deep and strongs In iipournful cad Adiisiffif Where trembling osiers waver in the tide By flowing Avon's flower- enamell'd side. Friend of my soul! behold me calmly laid Beneath the shelter of an aspen's shade. Whose branches quiver in the mountain gale That scatters odours through this lonely vale ITie Sun in all its bright meridian glow Is glistening on the waves that glide below; And all the charms by nature kindly giv'n. And all the beauties of the summer Heav*n Reflected in that streamlet's clear expanse. Bright as the beams that on its waters dance. 162 POEMS. * T- 'Tis sweet, my friend! in this sequester'd da'e Where no rude sorrows o*er the mind prevail. Where peace displays her silver beams of light And blissful visions soothe my dreams nt night,. 'Tis sweet to think on joys for eve); fled,j^ ^-j,o And friends long number'd with "the peaceful dead ; And as in memory's re.trospective view Those scenes of joy or sorrow we renew. Sweet is the balm their consolation throws O'er all life's perils, vanities, and woes. How oft together we have fondly stray'd In secret bliss, through pleasure's flow'ry glade, Where Love first led m to his.haUow*d bed .7 ;T^'';r' ' ''^ ;^^ji ; Where hope, and joy, and all love's tender ties, In heav'nly radiance met our wond'ring eyes. * Oh ! what emotions fill'd my youthful breast^ \yhat fairy visions sooth'd my happy rest ! - POEMS. iBS What ardent wishes, and what burning fires, "What thrilling pleasures and what wild desires ! When Beauty smiPd upon my burning heart ; :A What secret rapture did her smile impart! Yes, Eva! yes, to thee alone I owe ' ''^'^* - These thrilling ecstacies, this fervid glow; '^ My heart was joyless, comfortless and cold. Though form'd by nature of the finest mould, 'A 'Till first I saw that soul-enticing face. That form endued with dignity and grace. That form on which I oft have fondly hung While sweetest accents issued from thy tongue. , Oh! that this trembling tongue had leave to tell Each wild epotion, and each turbid swell; Each secret thrill that makes my life-blood warm. That joys my heart while gazing on thy form! Oh! that I might one n^Qp^ejiJ; at thy feet Tell all my sorrows all'my l^e repeat, v > - And lo^t in raptures of ecstatic bliss Pout all my soul ia one entrancing kiss, 'Till life, and lave and happiness be o^er, . i And this wild heart should boat with joy no more. And say, swfiet Maid! wben at thy feet I lie -^ ' Wilt tliou not breathe one uareluetant sigh? . Oh! wilt thou not one pitying tear-drop shed Q*er him whose heart ahall soon b: poidand ikartf And when^oft sorrowjsin thy.bcawna rijie And the teal's trickle from thy sparkling eyes, My heart though cold shall feel the balmy tear And bless the soul that wej^t upon my bier. Farewell my friend! I fain would tell thee a!I^ But fate forbids past sorrows to recal j No ray of hope shall break my jayless Jream *Till Bevy's sun shall wake me with its beam; No fairy visions haunt my couch at nig'it ^^~- ^^ ^ *Till love shall crown me with its pure dL4ighti Oh 1 tl)en my heart shall yield to grief no more. But weep with joy ^vteu all its sorrow's o*er. POEMS. 1S5 To ']>i>i em :iSi. The Sun has set upon the verdant green, And ev'ning spreads her shadows o'er the scenes No sounds disturb these ever calm retreats Save when the night-bird sullenly repeats, As o'er the silent vale she flits along Her pensive, lonely, melancholy song. Light o'er th' unruffled stream the western breeze^ Sweeps sadly on, and sighs amid the trees; The dew is glistening on the woodbine bowers And wreaths of mist enclothe the vernal flowers; The bird of night has ceas'd her pensive thrill And all is solitary, calm, and still. 'Tis sv^eet, my Friend! to mark the close of day. And watch the setting Sun's last, ling'ring ray. To see the parting beams of golden light Yet faintly gleaming on the mountain's height ; w 166 i POEMS. And view the gloomy shades of ev*ning grey Come darkly hovering o*er the fading ray ; And when each scene a pensive aspect wears And ev*ry plant is crown'd with pearly tears/^ ftff A 'Tis sweet in some deserted grot to lie, :rog o>l And weep the tear, and pour the secret sigh. n^, To me at least, it is an hour of joy,^rf^ v/ For then my mind can think without alloy, >q tou For then to peaceful meditation giv'n o ii^iJL I dream of bliss, and raise my hopes to Heav'n. ' Think, fondly think on her, whose witching smile CouUl all these sorrows, all these cares heguifej/ i'uA Whose tuneful accents, like the Harp's wild thrill, . liaise the fond heart to ecstacy at will,, i;';: ;; ; :: i>iiA Whose endless beauties all my praise employ. The sojircc of all my sorrow all my joy. Oh! beauteous Eva! could my burning. h^art To thine biiq sentiment of love impart, Fix in that breast where ev'ry virtue dwelk The a] dent love that my fopd bosom swells, POEMS. 167 Aixd when I m^rk'd the lov'd ideas rise Swell in thy breast and sparkle in thine eyes, A moment gaze upon thy kindling charms Then catch thee fainting in my longing arm, And feel thy heart, thy bosom, and thy brow, As tremulously beat as mine do now, 'Till all our thoughts to dreams of pleasure fly And our souls issue in one lingering sigh. Yes, lovely Maid!-while thought, while mem'ry keen StiU hold their seats in this distracted brain, AVhilst through this frame the crimson life blood flows And my warm heart with warmer rapture glows I'll think of thee, of thee beloved Maid! 'Till fleeting thought before Death's image fade. And even in my last expiring breath I'll mingle rapture with the pangs of death. Triend of my heart 1 ere sorrows close my eyes And my wrapt soul to brighter realms shall rise. 168 PC^E^lSw Ah! haste and soothe me with thy teudcr carfi, Hush my sad sighs and lull me from despair; Here in this peaceftd solitude we*ll rove, Think on the past, and talk of endless love. Then haste my Friend 1 and qwit those scenes of strife Those busy scenes of fashionjihle life, Where vice and folly ev'ry scene pei^^jfeij iwo JU liiT* And virtue flies affrighted to tjiie ^h^rs " vo hah Where vulgar pleasures fill the vacant day And nightly revels meet the morning's ray. .. ; There was a time, when my untroubled heart Could in these pleasures take a willing part. Could smile at joys as fleeting as the sun And sigh for more when these were past and gone > ; ' But now alas! those fairy dreams are o'er Cold is my heart, it beats with joy no more, ^fy ev*ry hope my ev'ry wish is fled My prospects withered, ;and my feelings dead. 1816. vomiBi 169 : M Eva. '^ "i^^^^ When fortune frown'd and kindred fled, ' f 3TBd ^m^ 9?;: And hatred dealt its meed of ill. And all around were cold or dead. Thy spirit linger'd near iHig stiU.- As flings yon planet bright and lone. Its radiance o*er the stormy sea. Thy saint-like spirit o*er me shone* ^The light of my idolatry! --r'?j^f{'// In that dread hour of woe and stoim Which hangs upon my mem'ry yet. When wither'd ev'ry mental charm, And life's last light had nearly sefcjiB llbYfSiii'I Thy pure and gentle spirit dwelt In fond fidelity with mine, And for each pang my bosom felt A kindred feeling throbb'd 4^ thiae. J 1'70 POEto. Oh! blest for ever be the heart Which once could shed a tear for mc. Though adverse fates have made us part, I still in fondness think of thee! E'en now when ev*iy joy is past, i^^ ^liX And hope itself has lost its beam, Thy It)v*d remembrance still can cast A ray to cheer my mental dream ^ ^ , I'k Whatever fate awaiteth me, Wherever chance may bid me rove. The sweetest tear of memory Shall fajl for thee, my early love ! Farewell! and when some other heart Shall claim those vows which I can never, !1nos Imr. OTfKf \ilT Ah! think of him, whose mortal part Shall then indeed, be cold for ever! 1 .'JoirfJBnils'r! i. POEMS. ^ 171i " Cest ainsi qu'elle fut " Rosei begemm'd with sparkling dew^" ^^ ^^^ ' ^ Rose! of rich luxuriaht'Bue, "'"' Oil thy soft and odorous head' rooib xd^ lm)'A .4 Nature's brightest beams are shed; Oft IVe mark'd thee, sweetest flower! r^^' ' Bath*d in morning's dewy showeri^^- X'^'>'*^^ 'OoT Ere the wild bee broke thy slumbers ^i rf^KQiind "With its soft and tuneful numbers. Or the zephyr's balmy breath Call'd thee from thy transient death ; Whilst the sun's enlivening beam Pour'd on thee its richest stream ; ''^*i ^'>^* ^^^^ Then I mark'd thy leaves expand, '''^^ ^"^^^ Thy odour scent tjie zephyrs Wand, r^" '^-^ Thy blossoms opening to the viewv ' '^I ii'^id // Thy blushing buds surcliarg'd with dew, ^^^^ eani All thy vernal beauties ^kxwing. Sweetest incense round tliee tlirowing! But what means that languid hue? Whence has fled the sparkling dew? Where is now thy early bloq3i^f?*ffffTr*^2')d hzoH Where has fled thy sw*et,,geiffuine? ^ lO/lsaoH Rose! why droopstby lan^d head* ;lo8 ^di r.O Whither have ttiy beauties fled?-^ * -^ a'gTjj-fny Alas! the beams frcM^a y5)^ef"i Like love, how soon thy fragrance dies! fj T Like hope, how soon thy beauty flies i Which leaving scarce a trace behind *^ Thus withers on misfortune's wind. POEMS. 175 Child of sorrow, clnld of woesi Come and see this faded rose, Come and view the lovely flower Wither' d in its proudest hour. And while fam;y calls anew Hopes, that like this rose-bud grew, Ev*ry thought with joy illuming, Ev*ry sense with sweets perfuming; Hopes that like this rosebud grew, Hopes that like its odours flew, Hopes and joys for ever gone, Which fancy loves to dwell upon, Which, wl^n with'ring sorrow chases Mem*ry i^ill with fondness traces ; - Child of sorrow, child of woes] Tliink on this poor wither'd rose, ' Like thee it blush'd ^like thee it blew . Like thine its early blossoms grew, . Like thee it smil'd like thee it sigh'd^ And oh! like thine ^its promiiV. diedi When upon the Ocean billow With the sea-wave for thy pillow, And the midnight moop-beam stre^ino; On thy dark eye softly beaming, Think of early pleasures faded, Think of hopes by 'sorrow shaded* Think of her whose spirit never, Not in Death from thine shall sever! AVhen in distant dimes thttU roV^St, - 3qi By the radiant star thou lovestf ^ ? yrrr^ i^^lJ When no faithftil heart is nigh th(ic, And the friends thou trastest fly thee; '''- Think of liomie and all its pleasures,^ Once the centre of thy treasures, Tliink of her thou leavest mourning Never to that home returning! POMS. ITJf When the red wing'd lightning flashes, When the sea-wave rudely dashes, When the wild- winds rage around thee. When the tempest's glooms surround thee^ * ITiink of her whose spirit near thee Borne on Seraphs* wings shall cheer thee. Think of her ^whose heart shall never Cease to love thee never ^never! . . To- Perchance in some succeeding day These lines may meet thine eye. When I am wandering far away Beneath a darker sky; Ah! may thy gentle spirit then In sadness^ dwell on mine. But never never care or pain Disturb the calm of thine. 176 ^OEMS. STANZAS, ., \,^^ ^Mm^^ii The hearts that beat with fond deslrij r?/ Tco ooaalas! grow cold aiid dead. As suns that glow with heav'nly Hre r Soon sink in Octanes chilling' bed ; '-^^ Yet hearts there are no fates can sever. There is a light that shines f(.)r ever I ^ ;i .j x The heart that's lost in cold despair. That feels not hope's enlivening ray, Soon sinks beneath the weight of care That sadden'd first its earlier day; Then Death alone its fate can sever, i ;:d'!' And banish all its woes for ever. 'Till reason cease her rays to fling Across my wild, my feverM brain, This heart to thine will fondly cling Where all my hopes of bliss remain ; And cease to love thee will it never , 'Till Dont'i .shall sink its pulse f^^revor. K)fiMS, 177 To- Farewell farewell, we meet no more, I fly thee raadden'd broken hearted- Yet oft will mem'ry wander o*er The scenes where first we met and parted. Thy Husband let the maddening thought Be buried in oblivion ever, Iliat thus upon our hearts hath wrought *Twas but delirium's fitful fever. In distant, happier climes we'll meet, Where earthly ties no hearts can sever Oh! surely it will then hr- sweet To think on sorrows past for ever! To Eva, The pledges, dear Maid! thy fondness gave At parting from this heart Shall never wander, 'till the grave Receives its colder part ; And when my spirit soars above The reach of human caie Thy sacred pledge of kindred love I'll treasure even there! 178 :poem. SONG, Ah! why does the heart in its memory keep The remembrance of days that are o'er? And why does it ever in solitude weep O'er those pleasures it ne'er cain know marc? And why does the semblance of joys that are fjed, Still cling round t;he desolate ^j^a^, , And still, like the ixjae-blossom, fiided and dead, T A lingering fragrance impart? How sweet 'tis to think op the days that are pa$t, On the rainbow of joys that are fled. Ere the dark clouds of sorrow its beauties o'ercasfc^ And tlie heart's keener feelings are dead. Yet sweeter by far is the hope soon to rest In that bed, where no sorrows can lie, Where the soft dcwsof ev'ningshall weepo'er mybreast, And the nightwinds around me sliall sigh. POEMS. 179 mVITTORIA. 1813. The summer morning's early beam Shone brightly on Zadora's stream, But brighter flashed the golden gleam On Britain's btod of Warriors. Full many a sword and helmet gay That glitter 'd in the morning's ray> J^re evening of that fatal day Was dy'd ift blood o enemies! And many a form f manly mould, And many a heart in battle bold. Ere night lay breathless, dark, and cold. Beneath the war clouds* canopy. In ev*ry warrior's manly eye Was seen the glance of brarery. And loud was heard the thrilling cry Of ** Wellington and Victory!" 180 roEAfs. Dark roll'd the battle on the plafe, Tlie British host riish'd on amain, w And dy'd their shining swords again. In Gallic blood most valiantly. The bugle's ^vild and piercing swelP Was heard amid the battle's yell. But deeper, darker, louder fell, The roaring of th' A^tillciyl And as the cannon's thunders spoke. And louder on the ligjife wind broke, ^ The battle plain was wreath'd in smoke, ^ . . ::i f fiA That floated dark and drearily! The dying warrior's fading eye Gleam 'd faintly on his comrades nigh, Aud like his first his latest cry -.7/' Was, " Wellington and Victoty!" POEJiS. . 181 Long ere the eV'nlng shades^ were spread, The routed foe affrighted, fled 0*er heaps of wounded, piles of dead, And left the British conquerors! The battle's done the combat's o'er, Zadora*s stream is dy*d with g -% Its foaming billows lash the shore, * , ' .HOfU ! ^jjjj j.^j|j[ along most rapidly. Where now the night-dew softly weep^ Full many a warrior lonely sleeps. And still the night-wind sadly creeps .r^ar'i p -^^ many a hollow murmurtng. Yet oft the tear from sorrow's eye Shall dew the grave bed where they lie, . And long shall burst the secret sigh In tribute to their memory! On this subject the Author's feelings might well be excused* in tK * aboTe battle he lost a beloved Brother, who fell while leading to the charge the Light Company Of the 28h Regiment. " ^Diis alitcr visum." 180.r POEMS. These tears of silent grief that start, ! Recal tliiuie image still to m^; Yet art thou dear to this sad heart., . . , f^fiT iTiough thou, alas! art false to me; 'Tis o'er the pleasing prospect's q*ei^, . . - ,Y Yet was it sweet to think on thee, But now my heart can hope no more. Since thou^ alas! art lost to ifie! How happy \^as iiiy morn of lov^^''^ ^^^ HitabnA ^'^eri linrestramM I rang*d with thee, But now my fondest wishes prove o-JoY The source of constant woe to me ; May'st thou be happy as thou'rt fair^iid j^.oi mii. ^or feci the pangs that torture me. May anguish, .son'ow, and despair, Be ever distant far from thee! POEMS. *k%S Oh! did'st thou mark yon wave that foams and sparkles in the beam, That chequers with its silver light, the azure flowing stream? 'Tis there I wish to lay my head-r-beneath that rolling ^ wave. Where human sounds may never come tX) mock my lonely grave. Far, far, from man's deceitful eye in silence let me rest. And sleep to all eternity the slumber of the blest; There shrouded in oblivion's wave and dead to human care. Be mem'ry of my injur'd name for ever buried there. ' ft ii *fT:'' '> ' . . ^ The clouds of woe have shadow'd o'er the morning of my days, ' ^ And sorrow chill'd each early hope and wither'd fancy's raya; '- -: I've lost in life's impassion'd hour each gem that life endears, . : ^ And tho' the eye may seem to smile the heart is drown'd ^nfW tears. Like wither'd leaves that strew tiie ground in AutumnVi stormy iiiglit, The hopes that bless' d my yWh 'lie.* chill'd beneatli affliction's bliglit; Thus lonely in my solitude 1 gaze upon the wave, And fain would find within its breast a sure but wel- come grave! Ifit POEM. 4MBKriON. l^e bird that c]i;?.ves yon wide expanse Upborne t a tireless wing, N*er casts to earth a backward glance From whence he took his spring; Still urging on his daring flight 0*er earth and ocean blue, *Till lessening on the gazer's sight, He quickly fades from view! So st^ercth man his madd'ning flight On wild ambition's wings, Nor whilst he seeks the golden height One glance behind him flings ; Still, still, his vent'rous course he steers O'er earth's wide boundary, *Tiil lost to view, he disappcai-s- In dark Eternity! To i^i:'m^mrT^ ' ^n^^ mii isot sdT Soft be the beams, lamented shade! n(f .'isit- do-i'it taT^aa six That play around thy bower of rest, Thy memory can never fadq From this sad heait that bv'd thee best-. , . :,'a iijiil ..' How oft I heave the secret sigh -. ti4'^'^'l '' hnh - While musing on thy hapless fate, And tears of sorrow fill mine eyt They cannot half my grief relate. frO I saw thy young and tender heart Each secret throb of passion prove. And pant those feelings to impart Of sacred, unrequited love! , i. saw that heart consum'd by care And wither'd in its early glow, 'Till anguish deep, and fell despair, flad laid each warm emotion low. ISfe ME5WPS. The tear that sparkled in thine tye, The grief that filPd thy youthful breast, The secret throb the bursting sigh Are now for ever laid at rest. The cold clay shrouds that lovely form li Which filPd each heart with fond surpriscj And Death hath rifled ev'ry charm. And closed those once expressive eyes. .naj ha A Oft at the silent Bfiidnight hour'*"^-^ ".'-^ When all is wrapp*d in calm repose, .'->: vihn'ji himyjiiUr/ Yth wee 'I I steal tlnto thy fav'rite bower To weep and sorrow o'er thy woes. Not mine the pow'r those woes t\) heal, -^ Or bid thy sorr.ows flow no more, , .. SIS/) vu i> myenua iit/u. miii ws> :ould but all thy anguish feel, I could but pity and deplore. POEMfiO^ 1871 Soft be thy slumbers, lovely flower I Soft as the falling dews of nighty ,-r<:;t| ?i if'fiib fid) oJoTcf ?i itoq^ sdT ' And sooij a more propitious hour --j> : n nf;''--'j7<' T'r.u -mm j'^ hah. Shall call thee to a scene of light. -vno^ "io itifgfloHl iBdi worf !dO And when you reach yon starry throne -isihid Where bliss eternal waits to crown thee. Think on the friends you've left alone Think on tlv3 hearts that still shall ovm thee! ; . i aqod oa bhi^ n^O . y iTo J ' piwi* iaixf) J(xa 9ifii) I Wlien gazing on my silent name ^^hfilq on iaB I In some succeeding year, '"' ^^ Ah! may its fond remembrance claimjifijio iinT The tribute of a tearj gJi aif ts9ld i^vfjn W&A?* And when reflection calls to view The hearts that lov'd thee best. Then may my name be mingled too. In sadness with the rest. 1B8 posani^ 6N PARTING^6mifkx<\l lh\ A d", .t(I:;,rf: '^'. -^'^ifi Tjrrilffi^ Sift 2r fioP The spell is broke the dream is past, And we must part love ^part at last-^ Oh! how that thought of agony Strikes on tkus Hssurt thaft ii^or^ip^thciel - The tear that trembles in thine eye Like dew-drop from the ev*ning sky, !t3oii} nvfo lUdi iiiJa . Jflo ^i^ufl' Can yield no hope to memory I dare not think 'twas shed for me. I ask no pledge to soothe my hear^iisc^ hstVfJ No fond memorial ere we part-*- mm nl This breast that aches so silently Shall never breathe its griefs to thee! i'ia^^-^ii i' But when from those lov*d scenes I fly To dwell beneath a darker sky. Say, wilt thou ever think of me,. "When I am distant far from thif ? - POEM& 189 ELEGIAC LINES. I see the death-flower sweetly rise Upon the green earth's grassy bed, I feel the uight-wind's hollow st^ ' Steal o'er the mansions of the dead. That manly form of brightest mould. Those eyes that gleam'd with fond desire. That form is faded now and cold, . .. ^ And quench*d those orbs of liquid firei The heart that once beat high with love. That thriird with fancy's secret glow, ^ The soul that lov'd to soar above. Nor mt<. with those that liv'd below; That heart is wither'd, cold, and dead. Its youthful pulse has ceas'd to beat, That soul to brighter realms has fled. Its kindred spirits there to meet! z ^b POE51&. The tear that falls from beauty's eye No more shall dew his faded brow, The soft vibration of her sigh Shall uever never reach him now ! > t How oft at eve I've seen him rove Beneath the moonshine's silver gleam, Lost victim of ungrateful love, Thy joys are faded like its beam ! And oft I've mark'd the inward sigh Burst wildly from his throbbing breast, he tear of bitter agony That strove but would not be repress'd. When laid upon the bed of death I mark'd the smile that deck'd his face, And thought some wandering spirit's breath.. Had brought to life each wither'd grace! POEMS.: 19X Oh! hallow'd be the peaceful tomb Wherein his relics are interr'd, No sounds shall break the dreary gloom, No murmurs o'er his grave be heard! Yet oft the tear from friendship's eye Shall dew the grave-flower o'er his iead, And still affection's latest sigh Be breath'd upon his hallow'd bed. LINES. Have you not seen the summer day Deform'd by unexpected showers? Have you not seen the rosy spray Despoil'd of all its blooming flowers? Thus changeful hitherto has been My solitary span of years, Unbless'd by one unclouded scene, A lonely waste of hopes'and fears! 192 POEMS. *Tis not the tear in secret shed From faded eyes with son-ow streaming, *Tis not the sigh for pleasures fled While joy is in the glances beaming. Can paint the breast's convulsive throb, Or tell the bosom's secret anguish, Tlie silent, deep, soul-rending sob, That leaves the sorrow'd heart to languish. When laid within the silent grave. The winds of Heav'n around me sighing, With nought to cheer the darkness, save The midnight breeze in murmurs dying ; Oh! then this heart from grief shall rest And all its pangs and cares be over. Within the cold grave's cheerless breast Shall lie the truest, fondest lover I POlMS. ' 19s To Why do I love thy soft blue eye Since others boast as bright? Ah! Delia 'tis because I spy In thine, the spirit's light! Why do I love thy blooming cheek When others s em as fair? Ah! Delia! ^but 'twere vain to seek The light that lingers there. Why do I gaze upon thy form Where many rove as light? Ah! Delia, thine alone can charm Though myriads bless my sight. Why do 1 muse, and pensive sigh. When all around are gay? Ah! Delia, must I tell thee why?- Perchance thou'rt far away! ELEGIAC LINES. When fate hath cut each tender tie That binds niy wither'd heart to life, And hush'd is ev'ry turbid sigh " And clos'd at once this, scene df jstrife^ ' Oh! let me rest in yonder bed, Where flowrets ever soft and fair. May bloom upon my wearied head And fling their sweetness on the air. How sweet is hope's delusive ray To those who in affliction weep, Yet sweeter is the close of day When all their sorrows sink in slee^ ! If long and sound that slumber be That soothes the weary wanderer's breast. Oh! may that sleep descend on me And lull me to eternal rest! POEMS. 195 ON LEA VING Oft in my lonely wanderings kere When musing sad on human pride, I've shed th* involuntary tear O'er blasted hopes, or joys denied; Yet trust me, never did I feel A keener throb unnerve my heart. Than now when tears unbidden steal. To tell me, we must part ^must part! Oh ! thus it ever yet has been In all my happiest hours of joy. Some luckless spell would intervene And all my treasured hopes destroy. Ev'n here where fancy wild and free. Has dwelt beneath affection's beam. Some thought would steal on memory, And tell me it was but a dream ! 196 POEMS. A dream indeed and soon alas! ^ : It fled nor left a lingering ray, Like morning beams that swiftly pass, Without a trace to mark their way. Yet cold and dead this heart mlist be. And lost to sweet affections tear. When it shall cease to think of thee. And all the friends I cherish here. . Farewell ! and when in distant climes If chance should bid my footsteps rove, The dream of those remembered times Will lead me to tlie friends I love ! in vl And when at length my life is past. And all my joy and sorrow's o*er^ .. My wounded spirit free at last. Shall fly to thine and part no more. J. KIKKWOOr, rtinter. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book b DUE on the last date stamped below. Form L9-lC0m-9,'52(A3105)444 -m- - The maid of Ar - 3991 aby A1K19 HI 3991 A1M19 :'y'% Ik M ^ =^ \V '^to IL ^^