With shrieks of laughter long and loud,
From those who knew not why;
For she, whom Reason's fickle ray
Oft wilder'd and distress'd
Hush'd in unwonted slumber lay,
A cold and dreamless rest.
Think ye of Heaven! how glorious bright
Will break its vision clear,
On souls that rose from earthly night
All desolate and drear;
So ye who laid that stricken form
Down to its willing sleep,
Snatch'd like a flowret from the storm,
Weep not as others weep.
INTRODUCTION TO AN ALBUM.
Gleaner! the field's before thee. Many a sheaf
Whiteneth the ground, which thou may'st freely take
Into thy garner. Friendship's clusters bend
In ruddy ripeness, and the flowers of Love
Breathe fresh perfume for thee. Go, ask of Wit
His sparkling diamond, win from Fancy's hand
Her frost-work talisman, from Mirth require
Such garland as she weaves in Music's bower,
And search for gold in Wisdom's heaven-wrought mine.
Perchance the hoary Sage a gem may grant
