Poems (Hornblower)/Lines (I saw that eye when it was bright)

by Jane Elizabeth Roscoe Hornblower

For works with similar titles, see Lines.

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.
Vain grief—I gaze upon the tomb
 Where all thy early virtues sleep;
Then muse upon thy heavenly home,
 And envy thee, and cease to weep.