XI. No:-the venom-dipped arrows of doom XII. No:- the clouds that burst over me now soul may repine ;They can wake no wild echoes in thine ! XIII. Let the storms of adversity lour ! XIV. And the poison of Envy and Malice, THE ÆOLIAN HARP. Methinks it should have been impossible COLERIDGE. Harp of the winds! What music may compare Harp of the winds ! When Summer's Zephyr wings Its airy flight across thy tremulous strings, As if enamoured of its breath, they move With soft low murmurs, like the voice of Love Ere passion deepens it, or sorrow mars Its harmony with sighs ! -All earthborn jars Confess thy soothing power, when strains like these, From thy bliss-breathing chords, are borne upon the breeze! But when a more pervading force compels Their sweetness into strength, and swiftly swells Each tenderer tone to fulness,what a strange And spirit-stirring sense that fitful change Wakes in my heart-visions of days long past, Hope-joy-pride-pain—and passion with the blast, Come rushing on my soul,-till I believe Some strong enchantment, purposed to deceive, Hath fixed its spell upon me, and I grieve I may not burst its bonds !-Anon, the gale Softly subsides,--and whisperings wild prevail, Of inarticulate melody, which seem Not music, but its shadow;what a dream Is to reality ;-or as the swell (Those who have felt alone have power to tell) Of the full heart, where love was late a guest, peace, once more, returns, and settles on my soult Harp of the winds! Thy ever tuneful chords, STANZAS TO THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM POWER WATTS. AGED THREE YEARS. Sweet flower ! with flowers I strew thy narrow bed! SHAKSPEARE. I. A cloud is on my heart and brow, The tears are in my eyes, Are stifled into sighs; So soon, 'neath milder skies ! |