Poems on various subjects :: :: University of Virginia Library

The fluttering gale has sunk to rest,
The sloping sun-beams feebly glow,
Such zephyrs breathe as soothe the breast,
Such radiance pours as softens woe.

The languid notes of lonesome bird,
From yonder coppice sweetly wind,
And thro' the scene are faintly heard
Sounds that are silence to the mind.

As slow my vagrant feet advance
Thro' shadowy evening's fav'rite gloom,
Mine eyes peruse with vacant glance
An infant's solitary tomb.

'Twas simple! yet the green sod there,
That seem'd to court no stranger's eye,
Than marble—claim'd a tenderer tear!—
Than sculpture—mov'd a softer sigh!

A lonely primrose rais'd its head,
And here and there pale violets swell,
And if no venal tears were shed,
From many a flower the dew-drop fell.

And Pity there was often seen
To prompt the nameless Pilgrim's sighs,
(For Pity loves to haunt the scene,
Where Grief is stript of Art's disguise)

I mark'd the spot!—and felt my soul
Enwrapp'd in Sorrow's softest mood;
The pensive shade that o'er me stole,
It could not lightly be withstood.

I mark'd the spot—and thought how soon
Each earthly blessing is resign'd!
E'en then I saw life's dearest boon
Consign'd to dust—to death consign'd!

And while a parent's hopes and fears,
To fabling Fancy forceful swell;

And while a parent's anxious tears,—
These accents negligently fell.

“Thou little tenant of the grave,
“Sleep on, untouch'd by mortal strife,
“Unknown the cares that man must brave,
“The ills, that only end with life!

“Of eager hope, unconscious thou,
“Unconscious thou of grief's extreme,
“To thee—an everlasting now!
“To thee—a sleep without a dream

“Sleep on, poor child!—a fellow worm,
“Who's prov'd for thee life's joy and care,
“Would fain forego the useless term,
“He's tasted life—and death's his prayer.

“To thee, poor child! e'er grief is brought
“To vex thy soul, oblivion's given!—
“Oh! if the grave could boast of thought,
“That thought would make the grave—a heaven!”