LIFE'S RIVER.
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While the waters round them flowingFoamed and dashed like ocean billows. Now and then a bark was strandedOn those bleak and barren islands,Or engulfed within the surgesRound them rushing swiftly, wildly.Then the dark cliffs of those islandsSent forth echoes wild and dismal;Echoes of the cries of anguishAnd the wild shrieks of the victims. While the maiden thus intentlyGazed upon the scene before her,Lo! there came a glorious being,Clad in robes all white and gleaming,—Came and stood beside the maiden,Fixed his spirit gaze upon her,Lit with holy inspiration. And she said, "O holy being!Tell me of this wondrous river;Tell me of those sunny islands,With their bow'rs and trees and fountains;Tell me of yon rocky islands,With their cliffs all dark and frowning." Then the angel, smiling sweetly,Though his smile was tinged with sadness,Quickly thus addressed the maiden: "This is Life's swift-rushing river.
