Something for every body :: :: University of Virginia Library

On witnessing some young girls at a Boarding-School, danoing to the
sound of a Flute, played by the Music Teacher; while they affectionately
kissed each other, and shed tears in prospect of their final
separation.

Enchantment rais'd, 'mid wastes of life, the scene!
Oasis-like, where cool and od'rous breeze
Fans brow of fainting trav'ler, on the green
By moss-crown'd fount reclin'd; the whisp'ring trees
The while touch kissing leaves, and golden wings
Flash bright, as warble back from echo rings!
With noiseless step, through mazy dance, and arms
Alternate wreath'd 'round airy forms, sprites move
O'er elfin meads, to sweet Arcadian charms
Of sylvan reed; and nymphs, with lips of love
To lips of Houris, nectar'd dews impart,
While heart responsive throbs to sister heart.
Saloon, with portraits from the touch divine,
And statues chisel'd by that skill! Can pride
Of pictur'd canvass, sculptur'd stone, with thine
Compare? In blush of youth, see! at our side
Breathes nature's self! Her joy and hope, her tear
And voice, her grace and beauty, all are here!
Oh matchless fair! when science lights the mind,
And virtue guards the path; when, like wrought gold
To circled gem, music and arts refin'd

211

Add grace to beauty! Ne'er can joys be told
That cluster thick around the household life,
Where such are lov'd,—friend, sister, mother, wife!
Sweet scene, with lovely flow'rets here, adieu!
Conflict and toil, along life's arid plains,
Reluctant, yet refresh'd, we seek anew;
The battle fought, the vict'ry won, remains,
In that far land beyond the gorgeous West,
Where sunset shows the curtain'd gate—a rest!