And feeling hearts,- touch them but rightly,- pour But there are moments which he calls his own. A thousand melodies unheard before! Then, never less alone than when [From Human Life.] AGE. AGE has now Stamped with its signet that ingenu ous brow; And, 'mid his old hereditary trees, Trees he has climbed so oft, he sits and sees His children's children playing round his knees: Then happiest, youngest, when the quoit is flung, When side by side the archers' bows are strung; alone, Those whom he loved so long and sees no more, Loved and still loves,- not dead,but gone before, He gathers round him; and revives at will Scenes in his life,-that breathe enchantment still, That come not now at dreary intervals, But where a light as from the blessed falls, A light such guests bring ever,- pure and holy, Lapping the soul in sweetest melancholy! His to prescribe the place, adjudge-Ah, then less willing (nor the the prize, Envying no more the young their To live with others than to think of [repay Now in their turn assisting, they The anxious cares of many and many a day; And now by those he loves relieved, restored, His very wants and weaknesses afford A feeling of enjoyment. In his walks, Leaning on them, how oft he stops and talks, While they look up! Their questions, their replies, Fresh as the welling waters, round him rise, Gladdening his spirit; and, his theme the past, How eloquent he is! His thoughts flow fast; And, while his heart (oh, can the heart grow old? False are the tales that in the world are told!) Swells in his voice, he knows not where to end; Like one discoursing of an absent friend. Shall I meet other wayfarers at night? They will not keep you standing at that door. Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak ? Of labor you shall find the sum. Will there be beds for me and all who seek? Yea, beds for all who come. REMEMBER. REMEMBER me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land; When you can no more hold me by the hand, Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay. Remember me when no more day by day You tell me of our future that you planned; Only remember me; you under stand [pray. It will be late to counsel then or Yet if you should forget me for a while And afterwards remember, do not For if the darkness and corruption I had, Better by far you should forget and smile Than hat you should remember and be sad. THE FIRST SPRING DAY. I WONDER if the sap is stirring yet. If wintry birds are dreaming of a mate, If frozen snowdrops feel as yet the sun And crocus fires are kindling one by one; Sing, robin, sing; SOME are laughing, some are weeping; She is sleeping, only sleeping. I still am sore in doubt concerning Round her rest wild flowers are "To-morrow," said they, strong with hope, And dwelt upon the pleasant way: "To-morrow," cried they one and all, While no one spoke of yesterday. Their life stood full at blessed noon; I, only I, had passed away: "To-morrow and to-day" they cried I was of yesterday. I shivered comfortless, but cast To stay, and yet to part how loth: Her robe, ungirt from clasp to hem, Herseemed she scarce had been a day One of God's choristers; The wonder was not yet quite gone From that still look of hers: Albeit, to them she left, her day Had counted as ten years. It lies in heaven, across the flood Around her, lovers, newly met 'Mid deathless love's acclaims Spoke evermore among themselves Their heart-remembered names; And the souls mounting up to God Went by her like thin flames; And still she bowed herself and stooped Out of the circling charm; Until her bosom must have made The bar she leaned on warm, And the lilies lay as if asleep Along her bended arm. From the fixed place of heaven she saw Time like a pulse shake fierce Through all the worlds. Her gaze still strove Within the gulf to pierce |