It was vain to hold the victim, for he plunged to meet her call, Like the bird that shrieks and flutters in the gazing serpent's thrall. You may guess the boldest mariner shrunk daunted from the sight, For the Spectre and her winding-sheet shone blue with hideous light; Like a fiery wheel the boat spun with the waving of her hand, And round they went, and down they went, as the cock crew from the land. THE LOVER TO HIS MISTRESS. ON HER BIRTH-DAY. IF any white-wing'd Power above My joys and griefs survey, The day when thou wert born, my love He surely bless'd that day. I laugh'd (till taught by thee) when told That ripen'd life's dull ore to gold, And changed its weeds to flowers. My mind had lovely shapes pourtray'd ; But thought I earth had one Could make ev'n Fancy's visions fade Like stars before the sun? I gazed, and felt upon my lips One moment's bliss, one burning kiss, And though as swift as lightning's flash Those tranced moments flew, Not all the waves of time shall wash But duly shall my raptured song, And gladly shall my eyes, Still bless this day's return, as long As thou shalt see it rise. LINES ON RECEIVING A SEAL WITH THE CAMPBELL CREST, FROM K. M, BEFORE HER MARRIAGE. THIS wax returns not back more fair Th' impression of the gift you send, Than stamp'd upon my thoughts I bear The image of your worth, my friend! We are not friends of yesterday; – But poet's fancies are a little Disposed to heat and cool, (they say,) By turns impressible and brittle. Well! should its frailty e'er condemn My heart to prize or please you less, Your type is still the sealing gem, And mine the waxen brittleness. What transcripts of my weal and woe What utt'rances to friend or foe, In reason's calm or passion's shock! What scenes of life's yet curtain'd page May own its confidential die, Whose stamp awaits th' unwritten page, And feelings of futurity!- Yet wheresoe'er my pen I lift To date th' epistolary sheet, The blest occasion of the gift Shall make its recollection sweet; |