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111

XVII. LIFE AND ITS DREAMS.

Even as a cloud, from the horizon's bound,
Floats o'er the dark sea dim and rapidly,
Passes before the sun, deriving light,
Wafts o'er the hills, as doth an airy sound,
And latching on the forehead of the night,
Faints into unseen dew—and so doth die!
Even as a far bird comes, with swift endeavour,
In happy search of regions summer-mild,
Sinks weary down upon the billows wild,
And soon within their depths is whelm'd for ever:
So is it with our life, from birth to death;
And, in their cloud and bird-flight, all its dreams
Still vanish even as a vapour's wreath,
Or perish in affliction's gather'd streams.
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