 | Areytos or songs and ballads of the South |  |
48
BALLAD.—THE JEWELL'D BREAST OF NIGHT.
I.
The jewell'd breast of nightSwells calm beyond the breeze,
While, like a bird, we take our flight
O'er wild and lonely seas!
Yet many a prayer is given,
To ward the tempest's wrath;
And hearts, laid bare to Heaven,
(Dear hearts! sweet hearts!)
Send blessings on our path!
II.
One home I know unsleeeping—One dear, sweet cottage home!
Ah! there one heart is weeping
Within a silent room!
Her fancies follow fast my flight;
She strains her eyes throughout the dark,
And shuddering, fears, in storm and night,
(Sweet heart! fond heart!)
That wild seas wreck my barque!
III.
Ah, me! how still we doubtEven of the hope possess'd:
As ruby lips will perk and pout,
Though pleased to be caressed!
I sudden doubt, if weeping now,
That loved one watches sad and lone;
A jealous fancy racks my brow—
(Frail heart! false heart!)
Am I forgot as soon as gone?
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IV.
We vex our hearts with idle fears:For, ah! too well we know how soon
The smile will chase away the tears—
To loving memories such a boon—
And thus we doubt if they are sad,
The distant dear ones whom we fly;
We fancy that each face is glad,
(Vain hearts! false hearts!)
With thoughtless joy in every eye;
V.
That through the gay saloon they rove,While mirth and music glad the sense—
Hear other lips in speech of love,
To other hearts make recompense;
That, circled by a stranger's arms,
The faithless loved one, shaming both,
To other words of pleading warms,
(Frail heart! false heart!)
And all forgets her plighted troth!
VI.
Let me not doubt the maid I leave;Yet, ah! what hours of true delight
Would I to fortune now forgive,
To know she sorrows through the night:
Hears rising winds with rising tears,
Watches each cloud-wreath through the day;
And in her chamber, pale with fears,
(Sweet heart! dear heart!)
Weeps the slow, weary night away!
| Areytos or songs and ballads of the South | |