Where shall my spirit find an ark, That shall be meet for me, To bear me through the unknown dark Of dread eternity. Flowers may be bright, isles may be fair, Hearts dear-but they must end; And then, when comes the hour of care, On which can I depend? But, whilst unto our souls 't is given To look beyond the tomb; While we cast all our care on Heaven, We shall not want a home! THE DAUGHTER. Some feelings are to mortals given, And if there be a human tear From passion's dregs refined and clear, It would not stain an angel's cheek, SCOTT. 'Tis twilight-o'er the cottage door The linden branches droop, And on the green that lies before, Is seen a happy group; An aged man is sitting there, Surrounded by his children fair. His children now his only stay; Their mother-where is she? Snatched to the regions of decay, Yet he is happy-for still those He gazes on his sons' bright heads With all a father's pride, The smile his features overspreads, For who so swift to bring to him The earliest flowers of spring? Who can so well the wine-cup brim Who can so sweetly sing? Who watch with such unwearied care His every step-who look so fair? And though the manly laugh of mirth May make his heart rejoice, How sad would be his winter hearth, Without her gentler voice ; The lighter step, the sweeter tone- Is she not lovely, with the blush Floating across her cheek; The voice that can so sweetly gush, In tones so fond and meek? Would he not mourn her more than all, If she should in her beauty fall? Though to her brothers' spirits free, How desolate his life would be, Without that dearest thing; Ambition's hopes would perish too, Like flowerets unrefreshed with dew. And vainly would the voice of fame And glory of each other name, If she were gone from earth; But lo! their mingling voices rise In their sweet vesper hymn; And 'midst them all her voice is heard, Floating the softliest o'er each word. They part-their evening song is done, And all is silent now; But when tomorrow eve the sun Shall cease once more to glow, Again shall rise that tenderer tone, |