 | Minor Poems, including Napoleon |  |
113
TO --- ---, ESQ.
I
Can I publish a volume of verse, and refrainFrom recording one tribute to thee,
Who hast long been, in moments of pleasure and pain,
Unchang'd in thy friendship to me?
II
O, no! though forbidden to utter thy name,But one thought of it seems to give birth
To each wish the most grateful affection can frame,
In rememb'ring thy kindness and worth.
III
How can I be silent? In deserts forlornThe flowers ope their leaves to the Sun,
Whose beams give them beauty and life every morn,
Though their homage be witness'd by none.
114
IV
And though night-dews, which foster their fragrance, may seemAll unthought-of to fall from the sky,
Yet their pearl-drops, emblazon'd by morning's glad beam,
Will betray them when night have pass'd by.
V
Thus hearts, which in friendship's warm sun-shine have flourish'd,Must revive when its brightness appears;
And feelings its soft dews have silently nourish'd
Must break forth,—if it be but in tears.
VI
And this rude harp of mine, if I dar'd not to pourFor thy virtues the song I now frame,
Might, touch'd by the murmuring breezes, say more,
And reproachfully whisper thy name!
| Minor Poems, including Napoleon | |