159The good old castle towering stood Majestic o’er the scene; Defiance from its rocky rood Was alway frowning seen. p. 159 I thought, had it the power to speak, What stories could it tell; What deeds of darkness could it break, Or mysteries dispel. Around its seat, in hidden gore, Foul deeds of vengeance sleep, Which causéd orphans to implore, And widows oft to weep. And now, in close succession, see The smoky ringlets rise, From many a chimney-top set free, Ascending to the skies. Then comes there to salute the ear Faint fragments of a sound; And mingled noises soon I hear,— The bustle turns profound, p. 160From slumber as the city wakes, And Duty gives her call, And for each man a mission makes,— A duty gives to all; p. 160 Then set I foot upon the shore— The shore I long to gain; It shall be dear for evermore, While memory I retain. p. 161RECOLLECTIONS. To Sarah. p. 161 Let recollections, like the proud sun’s ray, Illuminate and cheer each lonely day, Restore a peace, afford a tranquil rest, Create a joy in your oft troubled breast; And when kind slumber doth its tendance lend, And angels sweet around thy pillow bend, May dreams of happy hours thy spirit cheer— Fond dreams of they who to thy heart are dear. But tell me, love, what is the lingering thought Which seeks a presence, from the distance brought, Far, far away, and which, with pleasing spells, Doth mingle here and there a word which tells— Oh sadly true!—that ye shall meet no more The one you love? These thoughts are very sore; The spirit sinks in grief and sadness low, And thrilling shudders through the being flow. Farewell, farewell, my cup of earthly joy! I drain the dregs, and they are now alloy. p. 162A STOLEN KISS. p. 162 The day had passed as other days do pass, With record made of all the deeds Performed by one, or two, or a whole mass,— It matters not, for all concedes. The sun in turn had lit the eastern sky, Performed his circuit to the west, Diffusing light and heat below and high, And there had sunk his golden crest.
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