145
LINES.
I saw that eye when it was bright
With feeling's pure and sparkling ray,
Nor thought, alas! how soon that light
Of heavenly beam would fade away.
I met that smile when it was warm
With life, and hope, and glowing joy;
Nor dreamt how quick its silent charm
The hour of suffering might destroy.
I heard that eloquence of heart,
The music of that gentle tone;
Forgot, alas! we were to part,
And deemed its sweetness all my own.
That eye is dim, that smile is cold,
That heart-bright gaze for ever chilled
I sit and muse on days of old,
On many a vision unfulfilled.
The mourner's vigil now is mine;
I seek not, ask not for relief,
But, bending low at memory's shrine,
I pour a gush of living grief.
With feeling's pure and sparkling ray,
Nor thought, alas! how soon that light
Of heavenly beam would fade away.
I met that smile when it was warm
With life, and hope, and glowing joy;
Nor dreamt how quick its silent charm
The hour of suffering might destroy.
I heard that eloquence of heart,
The music of that gentle tone;
Forgot, alas! we were to part,
And deemed its sweetness all my own.
That eye is dim, that smile is cold,
That heart-bright gaze for ever chilled
I sit and muse on days of old,
On many a vision unfulfilled.
The mourner's vigil now is mine;
I seek not, ask not for relief,
But, bending low at memory's shrine,
I pour a gush of living grief.
