University of Virginia Library

XIV.

But now that solemn pause is broke,
Sudden again old Almar spoke—
“In this deep loneliness, I was
“Not lonely;—for fond sorrow has
“Companions, whom the busy world
“Knows nothing of, in riot hurled—
“And e'en since thou hast been with me,
“I have indulged my misery,
“Apart in some nook of my cell
“And seen the forms I love so well!
“Yet that was sorrow's luxury,
“Her dear infatuated joy,
“And fascinated wretchedness
“That pierces e'en the grave's recess.
“But when I saw such lovely flower,
“Blasted in that rude Robber's power,
“A vision overcame my soul
“With supernatural control,
“And waked the thoughts of woe, alas!
“Of what I am, and what I was.
“Long had I dreamed my Child was dead,
“And many a tear of fancy shed:
“But I beheld her then in Heaven,
“Sainted and blessed—and forgiven—
“But I was not!—Her Mother, too,
“With her was present to my view,
“But pardoned not the rigor wild
“Which urged to last distress her Child!
“My Daughter's eyes were rich in ruth,
“And beamed with charity and truth;
“But oh, her Mother turned from me,
“And looked not on my misery:—
“O canst not thou then pardon me?
“My Arabel!—if this from thee,
“What may I hope from Heaven!—I cried,
“And thought Despair, in giant pride,
“Had all his waves dashed o'er my head,
“And whelmed me, mingled with the dead—
“Oh, then what sights, what sounds of woe,
“Horribly threatened me below!—
“Thank God! the vision broke, and I
“Returned once more to hope, and die!”