Felicia Hemans in The New Monthly Magazine Volume 20 1827/Fairy Favours
The New Monthly Magazine, Volume 20, Page 544
FAIRY FAVOURS.
Let there be
A something on this visible Globe that may
Have leave to love me; something I may love.
Barry Cornwall.
Wouldst thou wear the gift of immortal bloom?
Wouldst thou smile in scorn at the shadowy tomb?
Drink of this cup! it is richly fraught
With balm from gardens of Genii brought;
Drink! and the spoiler shall pass thee by,
When the young all scatter'd like rose-leaves lie.
And would not the youth of my soul be gone,
If the lov'd had left me, one by one?
Take back the cup that may never bless,
The gift that would make me brotherless!
How could I live, with no kindred eye
To reflect mine immortality?
Wouldst thou have empire, by sign or spell,
Over the mighty, in air that dwell?
Wouldst thou call the spirits of cave and steep,
To bring thee jewels from Ocean's deep?
Wave but this rod, and a viewless band,
Slaves to thy will, shall around thee stand.
And would not fear at my coming then,
Hush every voice in the homes of men?
Would not bright eyes in my presence quail,
Young cheeks with a nameless thrill grow pale?
—No gift be mine that aside would turn
The human love for whose founts I yearn!
Wouldst thou then read through the hearts of those
Upon whose faith thou hast sought repose?
Wear this rich gem!—it is charm'd to show
When a change comes over Affection's glow;
Look on its flushing or fading hue,
And learn if the trusted be false or true.
Keep, keep the gem, that I still may trust,
Though my heart's wealth be but pour'd on dust!
Let not a doubt in my soul have place,
To dim the light of a lov'd one's face.
Leave to the Earth its warm sunny smile—
That glory would pass could I look on guile!
Say then, what gift of my power shall be,
Favour'd of spirits! pour'd forth on thee?
Thou wilt not drink of the cup divine,
Thou scornest the treasures of wave or mine;
Thou art fain with a mortal's lot to rest—
Answer me! how may I grace it best?
Give me no sway o'er the Powers unseen,
But a human heart where my own may lean!
A friend, one tender and faithful friend,
Whose thought's free current with mine may blend,
And leaving not either on Earth alone,
Oh! bid the calm close of our lives be one!F. H.