The Spirit of the Nation/Lines on a Rock
LINES WRITTEN ON A ROCK.
I.
How oft with bounding heart I've stood
On yonder rugged rock and drear,
While youth and pleasure flushed my blood,
And cherished loved ones lingered near!
II.
How oft I've sat and dreamt of love
And heaved the half unconscious sigh,
While silent rolled the moon above,
And passed the hours uncounted by!
III.
How oft the song hath charmed mine ear
In woman's sweet melodious tone!
Her softest notes were floating near!
Ah! me, and are those moments gone?
IV.
Lone rock! the wintry waves shall fret,
And toss o'er thee their angry spray,
And billows foam around thee yet—
But we shall be far, far away!
V.
Where shall be, then, the song, the tale,
The laugh of joy, the gladsome smile!
The howling winds shall round thee wail,
But we shall be afar the while!
VI.
As vanisheth the fleeting dream—
As leaves, that part upon the tide—
So 'tis our lot on life's swift stream,
Perchance for ever, to divide;
VII.
Or meet, perhaps, in years to come,
As cold as if we ne'er had known;
Or follow to the silent tomb
The corse of some now joyous one.
VIII.
Thus time still severs constant hearts!
Thus former joys have passed and flown!
How soon each transient bliss departs,
And leaves us sorrowing and alone!
IX.
Ah! yes; there is on all below—
How passing dear soe'er it be—
All that we have, or love, or know—
The stamp of sad mortality!