166
HOURS.
I knew the echo of their voice, The starry crowns they wore;The vision made my soul rejoice With the old thrill of yore.
I knew the perfume of their flowers; The glorious shining raysAround these happy, smiling hours Where lit in bygone days.
O stay, I cried,—bright visions, stay, And leave me not forlorn!But, smiling still, they passed away, Like shadows of the morn.
One spirit still remained, and cried, "Thy soul shall ne'er forget!"He standeth ever by my side,— The phantom called Regret!
But still the spirits rose, and there Were weary hours of pain,And anxious hours of fear and care Bound by an iron chain.
Dim shadows came of lonely hours, That shunned the light of day,And in the opening smile of flowers Saw only quick decay.
Calm hours that sought the starry skies For heavenly lore were there;With folded hands and earnest eyes, I knew the hours of prayer.
