PDF (8 MB) - Virtual Library of the Public Library of Cincinnati

SONGSTER. 27
Though thy wing is the lightest and fleetest,
' 'Pwill be fleeter when nerv'd by the vine.
I have written on rose-scented paper.
With thy wing quill a soft billetdoux;
I have melted the wax in love's taper,
' Tis the coJor of true heart's sky blue.
I have fastened it under thy pinion.
With a blue ribbon round thy soft neck,
So go from me, beautiful minion.
While the pure ether shows not a speck :
Like a cloud in the dim distance fleeting,
Like an arrow he hurries away.
And farther and farther retreating,
He is lost in the clear blue of day.
Let this 9>roiv, on thy bosom reclining'.
Let this brow, on thy bosom reclining.
Cease to ponder on pageants gone by;
Let these eyes, dimm'd wiHi fruitless repining.
Dwell no longer on Ufc's darken'd sky.
For where else may these temples, reposing.
But on that couch of peace, slumber fiee;
And where else may these swollen eyt lids, closing,
Safely rest, but, dear woman, with thee ]
Yet when fate steals thee hence for our chast'ning,
Adding griefs to be baflBed alone,
O'er the world's weary waste then, while hast'ning,
What shall soothe us like loveliness gone 1
Lo ! a bed ' neath tuO turf is preparing.
To its bosom the w-inderer shall flee :
For with woman no longer life sharing.
Where, O grave ! shall we re-^t, but with thee ?