Page:Poems Toke.djvu/158

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150

Clear seen in that deep solemn light,
Against the dark blue skies,
Like giant spirits of the past,
Yon ancient woods arise:
And on each immemorial tree,
Whose birthtime none can know,
The moonlight quivers brightly now,
As centuries ago.

Yes! changeless 'mid a changing world,—
Undimmed where all grows dim,—
Bright as when first from earth arose
Creation's morning hymn:
Beloved alike by youth and age,
The gentle and the brave,—
That radiance gilds man's cradled sleep,
And shines upon his grave!

Thou pensive Moon! as thus I gaze
Upon thy glistening brow,
Swift wake the dreams of other days,
And scenes far distant now.
Upon my native hills once more
Thou risest, young and fair;
But shall I e'er behold again
Thy silver lustre there?

Alas! I know not,—still the thought
Of many a youthful hour
Comes borne upon that gentle ray,
With sad yet soothing power.