Minor Poems, including Napoleon By Bernard Barton. Second Edition, with Additions |
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TO THE MEMORY
OF
THE AUTHOR'S FATHER. |
 | Minor Poems, including Napoleon |  |
243
TO THE MEMORY OF THE AUTHOR'S FATHER.
I
Like the remembrance of a dreamRecall'd imperfectly to thought;
Thy form, thy features, sometimes seem
To musing meditation brought.
II
And could the painter's mimic artTheir semblance perfectly retrace,
Thy memory would not, in my heart,
Obtain a more enduring place.
III
All that such art might body forthCould but thy outward form display;
It still would leave untold the worth
Which has survived that form's decay.
244
IV
It still would leave each gem unguess'd,The casket transiently enshrin'd;
Each virtue which adorn'd thy breast,
Each talent that enrich'd thy mind.
V
Continue then, as thou hast been,A spirit, to my spirit known;
By grosser sense unfelt, unseen;
Belov'd, rever'd in thought alone.
VI
As such, thy image is more dearThan blazon'd in the costliest frame;
As such, I still may think thee near,
And bless thy memory, and thy name!
| Minor Poems, including Napoleon | |