 | Verses of a life time |  |
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MIDNIGHT AT SULLIVAN'S ISLAND.
She sleeps, my own fair city, and the moon
Looks down with guardian eyes, as clear and still
As a fond mother's o'er her infant child—
As still—as wakeful.—How profound her sleep!
Looks down with guardian eyes, as clear and still
As a fond mother's o'er her infant child—
As still—as wakeful.—How profound her sleep!
The light-house fire burns on, emblem of Him
Who rests not mid the slumbering, but on high
Holds his bright torch o'er yet uncounted worlds.
Peace is around in nature—peace and joy!
Scarcely a cloud is seen, save one, which like
A veil o'er beauty lends a softer ray
To heaven's bright eyes, that look out through the stars,
While the west wind, in gentle breezes, sweeps
The gentle wave.
How distant yet how near
Seems the great city—near; for I have heard
The sounding bell when the tenth hour was toll'd;—
Near for I see the fading lights retire,
As one by one men seek oblivious rest.
The old man goes to sleep through dreamless hours,
Unless perchance a thought of youth steals in
And opens the far past;—and childhood sleeps,
Its light breast heaving like the young pine tops,
When sway'd by southern winds, that die in calms.
Some sink upon their pillow, tired of life,
And heavily lie down to shut their eyes
On earth's cold vanities; some, haunted by
Fierce crimes, toss on a restless couch and sigh
For breaking morn; some, bless'd with virtue's meed,
A happy heart, close their soft lids and dream
Of good deeds done, and blessings yet in store.
Who rests not mid the slumbering, but on high
Holds his bright torch o'er yet uncounted worlds.
Peace is around in nature—peace and joy!
Scarcely a cloud is seen, save one, which like
A veil o'er beauty lends a softer ray
To heaven's bright eyes, that look out through the stars,
While the west wind, in gentle breezes, sweeps
The gentle wave.
How distant yet how near
Seems the great city—near; for I have heard
The sounding bell when the tenth hour was toll'd;—
250
As one by one men seek oblivious rest.
The old man goes to sleep through dreamless hours,
Unless perchance a thought of youth steals in
And opens the far past;—and childhood sleeps,
Its light breast heaving like the young pine tops,
When sway'd by southern winds, that die in calms.
Some sink upon their pillow, tired of life,
And heavily lie down to shut their eyes
On earth's cold vanities; some, haunted by
Fierce crimes, toss on a restless couch and sigh
For breaking morn; some, bless'd with virtue's meed,
A happy heart, close their soft lids and dream
Of good deeds done, and blessings yet in store.
And is crime brooding now, o'er that still scene,
Active, and eager, in these tranquil hours?
O, may Heaven shield thee, city of my heart—
Home of my household—where my dead repose!
God guard the living—would that I could hear
Their sleeping breath, and bless them as they lie!
The dead need not my blessing—safe are they.
Active, and eager, in these tranquil hours?
O, may Heaven shield thee, city of my heart—
Home of my household—where my dead repose!
God guard the living—would that I could hear
Their sleeping breath, and bless them as they lie!
The dead need not my blessing—safe are they.
How far she seems, the city of my love!
The kindling spark might wrap her towers in flame,
And my weak voice sound faint as insect's wing,
When thunders shake the air!
My yearning soul
Looks towards her, as the fluttering bird that leaves
Its mother's nest too soon, and pants for home.
O, I am lonely in this midnight scene.
God guard the sleepers—I will go and pray.
The kindling spark might wrap her towers in flame,
And my weak voice sound faint as insect's wing,
When thunders shake the air!
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Looks towards her, as the fluttering bird that leaves
Its mother's nest too soon, and pants for home.
O, I am lonely in this midnight scene.
God guard the sleepers—I will go and pray.
1828.
| Verses of a life time | |