In the low and shivering thrill Of the sea-wave's distant moan; Falls the closing dusk around. Father! through the storm and shade, O! be thou the lone one's aid,- Many a swift and sounding plume Since the farewell sunbeam passed Shield the homeless midst the waste, In his distant cradle-nest, Now my babe is laid to rest; Beautiful his slumber seems, With a glow of heavenly dreams; Beautiful o'er that bright sleep Father! guard that household bower, Back, through thine all-guiding power Darker, wilder, grows the night,— In the lonely wilderness, Where no roof to that blest head Shelter gave,— Father! through the time of dread, MRS. HEMANS St. Philip Neri and the Youth. ST. Philip Neri, as old readings say, Met a young stranger in Rome's street one day; And, being very courteously inclin'd, ST. Tell me what brings you, gentle youth, to Rome ? Y. To make myself a scholar, sir, I come. ST. And, when you are one, what do you intend ? ST. Well; and how then? And yet my lot it possibly may be. Why, who can say But I've a chance of being pope one day? ST. Well, having worn the mitre, and red hat, And triple crown, what follows after that? Y. Nay, there is nothing farther to be sure, Upon this earth, that wishing can procure : When I've enjoy'd a dignity so high, As long as God shall please, then-I must die. ST. What! must you die? fond youth! and at the best But wish, and hope, and may be all the rest? BYROM. Lochinvar. www.w O, young Lochinvar is come from the West, The bride had consented, the gallant came late : Was to wed the fair Ellen of brave Lochinvar. So boldly he entered the Netherby hall, Among bride's-men, and kinsmen, and brothers, and all: Then spoke the bride's father, his hand on his sword, (For the poor craven bridegroom said never a word,) "O come ye in peace here, or come ye in war, “Or to dance at our bridal, young Lord Lochinvar ?” "I long wooed your daughter, my suit you denied ;"Love swells like the Solway, but ebbs like its tide— "And now I am come with this lost love of mine, "To lead but one measure, drink one cup of wine. "There are maidens in Scotland more lovely by far, "That would gladly be bride to the young Lochinvar.” The bride kissed the goblet; the knight took it up, So stately his form, and so lovely her face, That never a hall such a galliard did grace. While her mother did fret and her father did fume, And the bridegroom stood dangling his bonnet and plume; And the bridemaidens whispered," "Twere better by far "To have matched our fair cousin with young Lochinvar." |