THELOCKOFHAIR。
Itisinsoothalovelytress，Stillcurledinmanyaring，AsglossyastheplumesthatdressTheraven’sjettywing。
Andthebroadandsoul—illuminedbrow，Abovewhosearchitgrew，Waslikethestainlessmountainsnow，Initspurityofhue。
Imindthetime’twasgiventome，Thenight，thehour，thespot；
Andtheeyethatpleadedsilently，"Forgetthegivernot。"
Oh!myriadsofstars，onhigh，Weresmilingsweetlyfair，ButnonewaslovelyastheeyeThatshonebesidemethere!
AboveourheadsanancientoakItsstrong，widearmsheldout，Andfromitsrootsafountainbroke，Withatinylaughingshout；
AndthefairypeopleofthewildWerebendingtotheirrest，AstrustinglyassleepsthechildUponitsmother’sbreast。
Soft，silverycloudlets，pureandwhite，Alongtheskywerehung，AsifthespiritsofthenightTheirmantlestherehadflung；
Andthenthenight—breezepensivelySighedfromitsunseenthrone，Andfaro’erfield，andflower，andtree，Ahallowedlightcamedown。
ButinourbreastswasspringingupAsomethinglovelierfar，Thanfield，ortree，orflow’ret’scup，Orsun，ormoon，orstar!
Weheedednotthefountainnear，Itssongofgladnesssinging，Forinourheartsafountmoredear，Andpure，andsweet，wasspringing。
Andshewasonewhomfortune’ssmileHadgladdenedfromherbirth，Yetherhighspiritknewnoguile，Noblotnorstainofearth；
AndIwasbutafriendlessboy，Andyetherheartwasmine；
Iknewit，andthethoughtwasjoy，Ajoyall，alldivine!
FromoutabraidedmassshetookThissinglelockofjet，AndgaveitwiththatpleadinglookWhich，said，"Donotforget。"
Forget!assoonthewavesthatrollTheocean’scavesabove，Maytelltheirsecrets，asthesoulForgetitsearliestlove。
Ithasbeenwithmenowforyears，Longyearsofcareandstrife，AndshallbewithmetilltimewearsAwaymyweboflife。
Andwhendeath’skeen，resistlessdart，Shallbiditssorrowscease，Thistressshallrestuponmyheart，Itstalismanofpeace。
"’TwaslittleshethoughtthatIstoodbreathlessbyhersidelisteningtothesongshesangasshesatbythesea’sedge，ponderingsodeeply，uponmetooperhaps，thatthewhitefoamglimmeredonherbrowunheeded。"
Onagh，ThePaleChildoftheBrehonKing。
Shestoodbesidethewidewildsea，Thewindshowledhoarseandhigh，Anddarkclouds，driftingdrearily，Swepto’erthestarlesssky。
Herbreastwaswhiteasmountainsnow，Herlockshunglooseandfree，Thefoamthatglimmeredonherbrow，Wasscarcesopaleasshe。
Shesangamournfulsongoflove，Oftrustinglovebetrayed；
Ah，whydidhewhowonher，proveSofaithlesstothemaid？
"Whypinesmyheartsowearily，Whyheavesmyachingbreast，Andwhyissleepsofarfromme，Whenothersareatrest？
"Thou，truantwanderero’erthedeep，Thecauseofallmycares；
FortheeatnightIwakeandweep，Whennonemaymarkmytears。
"Iseekthefestivehallnomore，ItsmirthnomoreIcrave；
Myheartislonelyastheshore，Andrestlessasthewave。
"MysoulhasstruggledtoforgetItssleepless，fatalflame；
Iknowthyvowswerefalse，andyetMyloveisstillthesame。
"Stillo’erthedreamInursedtoowell，Myburstingheartwillyearn；
Foreverwithmemustitdwell，——
Oh，wanderer，return!"
Awhitesailflutteredinthewind，Alightbarkskimmedthesea，——
Itcamelikehopeacrossthemind，Asswiftandsilently。
Theshell—strewnbeachthatedgedthemain，Amanlyfootsteppressed；
Thewandererhadreturnedagain，——
Themaiden’sheartwasblessed!
THEDESERTED。
"Come，sittheebymysideoncemore，’Tislongsincethuswe’met；
Andthoughourdreamofloveiso’er，Itssweetnesslingersyet。
Itstransientdayhaslongbeenpast，Itsflamehasceasedtoburn，——
ButMemoryholdsitsspiritfast，Safeinhersacredurn。
"Iwillnotchidethywanderings，NoraskwhythoucouldstfleeAheartwhosedeepaffection’sspringsPouredforthsuchloveforthee!
Wemaynotcurbtherestlessmind，NorteachthewaywardheartToloveagainstitswill，norbindItwiththechainsofart。
"Iwouldbuttelltheehow，intearsAndbitterness，mysoulHasyearnedwithdreams，throughlong，long，years，Whichitcouldnotcontrol。
Andhowthethoughtthatclingethto，Andtwinethroundthepast，Foreverinmyheartshallglow，Andbesaveonemylast。
"Theysaythouhastanother’slove，——
Well，cherishit，butthouItslackofstrengthanddepthwiltprove，Shouldsorrowcloudthybrow。
Thoughshemayownastatelierform，Afairercheekthanmine，Herheartcannotsowellandwarm，Respondeachthrobofthine。"
Herwordsweregentle，buttheirtoneWassadassorrow’ssigh，——
Atear—droptrembledinhisownAshesoughtherdowncasteye。
AchordwasstruckwithinhisbreastThatlonguntouchedhadlain，Oldmemoriesstartedfromtheirrest，——
Themaidwaslovedagain。
Stanzas。
On!therearehoursofsadness，whenthesoul，Tornfromitseverystay，andcrushedbeneathItsmanygriefs，andspurningfaith’scontrol，PantswithanearnestlongingforthedeathWhichwouldforevercloseitsdarkcareer，Withthepaleshroudandtheremorselessbier；
Whentheharsh，sterilenothingnessoflife，Firstbreaksuponthehope—deludedbreast，AndtheheartsickenswiththebootlessstrifeThatwringsitschords，andlongstobeatrest；
Ev’niftheblowthatfreesitfromdistress，Shouldstrikeitintoutternothingness。
Ah，nothingness!Thethoughtattimeswillcome，ThemindwillwrestlewiththemysteryThatcloudsitsbeing!fromitsclay—madehome，Itsdwellingofam6ment，itwillfleeIntothefardepthsofthevastUNKNOWN，Initsvainsearchingsforth’eternalthroneOfthatOmnipotencewhichgaveitbirth，And，givingitanaturewhichmightsuitAseraph，bounditsdestinytoearth!
Andafewyears，inwhichtoeatthefruitOflife’sstrangetree，sobitteratitscore，Thendeath，thequietgrave，sleep，and——whatmore？
Whencecamewe？whithergowe？AllisstillAndvoicelessinthepast!AveilisdrawnAcrossthefuture!bylife’smysticrillWesitandponder，watchingforthedawnOfsomeyetunconceived，far—reachingthought，Bywhichournature’ssecretshallbetaught!
Whysorrowisourelement——whysinIsnativeinus——bywhatcursewebearAneveraching，crushingvoidwithinOursecretsouls!andwhythelittleshareOfhappinessthatmingleswithourfate，Isofsuchfleeting，transitorydate1
Ourloves!ourhopes!whatarethey？fruitswhichturnToashesonourlips!illusivelightsThatcastamoment’sbrightnesswhiletheyburn，Thendie，andleaveadarknesswhichaffrightsOurspiritswithitsthriceredoubledgloom，Makingtheskyapall——theearthatomb!
Andyetthesearethealloflifeforwhich’Tisworththewearingofitschaintoknow，Wealth，fame，andpowerarebuttoys!therich，Thehighandmighty，withthebaseandlow，AlikebeforethereaperDeathmustfall，——
Sobeit!inthegraveisrestforall。
Stanzas。
Whentheleafisonthetree，Andthebirdisinthebower，Andthebutterflyandbee，Bearitstreasuresfromtheflower；
Whenthefieldsputonthesheen，Thattoyoung—eyedSpringbelongs；
Whenthegrovesandforestsgreen，Echowithathousandsongs；
WhenwildBeautywandersforth，Giving，withnostintedcare，Allherlovelinesstoearth，Allhersweetnesstotheair：
Thentheheart，withgladnessstirred，Mindfulofitsgriefsnomore，Mountsandcarols，likeabirdWhenthepearlyshoweriso’er!
Butthesummer’ssunnyhours，Aswecountthem，passaway；
Anditsfairestfruitsandflowers，Arebutfoodforsterndecay。
Thenwithwailings，deepandloud，Likethesea’sinitsunrest，Winterspreadshisicyshroud，O’erthebareearth’sfrozenbreast。
Thusthespirit’searlygladness，Sorrowchillsortimeremoves；
Andthesoul，intearsandsadness，Mournsitsperishedjoysandloves。
Hopewillloseitstrustingboldness，Onebyoneitsbeamsdepart，AndDespair，withicy，coldness，Windsitsmantleroundtheheart。
AFTERWITNESSINGADEATH—SCENE。
Presscloseyourlips，Andbowyourheadstoearth，forDeathishere!
Markyenothowacrossthateyesoclear，Stealshiseclipse？
Amomentmore，Andthequickthrobbingsofherheartshallcease，Herpain—wrungspiritwillobtainrelease，Andallbeo’er!
Hush!SealyeupYourgushingtears，forMercy’shandhathshakenHerearth—bondsoff，andfromherliphathtakenGrief’sbittercup。
YeknowthedeadAretheywhorestsecurefromcareandstrife，——
Thattheywhowalkthethornywayoflife，Havetearstoshed。
Yeknowherpray’r，Wasforthequietofthetomb’sdeeprest，——
Love’ssepulchrelaycoldwithinherbreast，Couldpeacedwellthere？
Atalesoontold，Isofherlifethestory；shehadloved，Andhewhowonherhearttolove，hadprovedHeartlessandcold。
Layhertorest，Whereshinesandfallsthesummer’ssunanddew；
FortheseshouldshineandfallwhereliessotrueAndfondabreast!
AfullreleaseFromeverypangisgiventothedead，——
Soonthestoneyeplaceaboveherhead，Writeonly"Peace。"*
WhenSpringcomesback，Withmusiconherlips，——joyinhereye，——
Hersunnybannerstreamingthroughthesky，——
Flow’rsinhertrack——
Thencomeyehere，Andmusingfromthebusyworldapart，Dropontheturfthatwrapshermoulderingheart，SweetPity’stear。
*ThemosttouchinglybeautifulepitaphIhaveeverread，waswritteninthatoneword，"Peace。"Itseemedlikethelastsighofadepartingspirit，overtheclaywhichitwasabouttoabandonforever。
LOVEANDFANCY。
"Whenever，amidbow’rsofmyrtle，Love，summer—tressedandvernal—eyed，Atmornoreveisseentowander，Adark—hairedgirlisathisside。"
DeLaHogue。
Onemorn，justasdayinthefareastwasbreaking，YoungLove，whoallnighthadbeenrovingabout，Acharmingsiestawasquietlytaking，Hisstrength，byhisrambles，completelywornout。
Roundhisbrowawreath，wovenofeveryflowerThatspringsfromthehillside，orvalley，wasbound；
Inhishandwasarosehehadstol’nfromsomebower，Whilehisbowandhisquiverlaynearontheground。
WildFancyjustcamefromherkingdomofdreams，Thebreathoftheopeningdaytoenjoy，AndtocatchthewarmkissofitsfirstgoldenbeamsOnhercheek，caughtaglimpseoftheslumberingboy!
Withalight，noiselessstepshedrewneartothesleeper，Andgazedtillhersnowy—breastheavedasoftsigh；
Thenshebadesleep’sdullgodbringasounderanddeeperAndheaviertranceforLove’sbeautifuleye。
Thenbacktohershadowykingdomsheflow，Andcalledupthebrightmysticformsshehasthere；
Andfillinganurnfromafountainofdew，ShebadethemallstraighttoLove’scouch—siderepair。
Theycame，andstoodround，asherhand，o’erhispillow，Fromachaliceofpearl，poureditsmagicalstream：
Whilehisredrosylips，thatnowsighedlikeabillowAtplaywiththebreeze，toldhowsweetwashisdream。
Hedreamedthathesatonashiningthrone，wroughtOfthepurestofgoldthattheearthcouldsupply，Whileatrioofbeautifulmaids，whoeachbroughtAgiftforhisshrine，insuccessionpastby。
FirstFame，withthestepandtheglanceofaqueen，Cameup，andbeforehimbentdownherproudknee，Andheldupagarland，whereonplayedthesheenOfthebeamswhichinsureimmortality!
NextWealth，thesternmistressofmen，forwhosesmileTheytoillikethegalleyslave，——broughtinherhandThefairgemsofmanyanoceanisle，Andthediamondsofmanyafaroffland。
AndBeautycametoo，withherblue，laughingeye，Herfairflowinglocks，andhersoftrosycheek，Andredlips，whosesweetsmiletoldsilentlyThetalewhichtheyseemedashamedtospeak。
’Neaththeshadeofapalmbranchafourthonestoodby，WithlockslikeinhuetothetressesofNight，Withapale，pensivebrow，andadarkdreamyeye，Wherethesoulofsweetsoftnesslaygleaminginlight!
ItwasFancy：Lovegazed，andhiseagereyeshoneWithalustreoffeeling，deep，fervent，andsweet；
AndhethoughtitwerebettertogiveuphisthroneForaplace，onhisknees，atthecoymaiden’sfeet。
Andfromthatbrighthour，throughcalmandthroughstorm，Throughthesunlightofsummer，andwinter’sdarkreign，Thesetwainhavebeenboundbyties，tenderandwarm，Whichne’erthroughalltimeshallbeseveredagain。
AndeverwhereLoveweaveshisfondwitchery，WillFancytheaidofherbrightnessbestow，Andgivethelovedobject，whateveritbe，Apurer，adearer，aheavenlierglow!
LINESWRITTENINAYOUNGLADY’SALBUM
’Tisnotinyouth，whenlifeisnew，whenbuttoliveissweet，WhenPleasurestrewsherstarlikeflow’rsbeneathourcarelessfeet，WhenHope，thathasnotbeendeferred，firstwavesitsgoldenwings，Andcrowdsthedistantfuturewithathousandlovelythings；——
Whenifatransientgriefo’ershadesthespiritforawhile，Themomentarytearthatfallsisfollowedbyasmile；
Orifapensivemood，attimes，acrossthebosomsteals，Itscarcelysighs，sogentleisthepensivenessitfeelsItisnotthenthe，restlesssoulwillseekforonewithwhomTosharewhateverlotitbears，itsgladnessoritsgloom，——
Sometrusting，tried，andgentleheart，sometrueandfaithfulbreast，Whereonitspinionsitmayfold，andclaimaplaceofrest。
Butoh!whencomestheicychillthatfreezeso’ertheheart，When，onebyone，thejoysweshared，thehopesweheld，depart；
Whenfriends，likeautumn’switheredleaves，havefallenbyourside，Andlife，sopleasantonce，becomesadesertwildandwide；——
Asforherolivebranchthedoveswepto’erthesullenwave，Thatrolledabovetheoldenworld——itsdeath—robeanditsgrave!——
Sowillthespiritsearchtheearthforsomekind，gentleone，Withittoshareherdestiny，andmakeitallherown!
TOALADY。
SuggestedByHearingHerVoiceDuringServicesAtChurch。
Atnight，invisions，whenmysouldrewnearTheshadowyconfinesofthespiritland，Wild，wondrousnotesofsonghavemetmyear，Wrungfromtheirharpsbymanyaseraph’shand；
Andformsoflight，too，moredivinelyfairThanMercy’smessengertoheartsthatmourn，Onwingsthatmadesweetmusicintheair，Haveroundme，inthosehoursofbliss，beenborne，And，filledwithjoyunutterable，I
Havedeemedmyselfabornchildofthesky。
Andoften，too，atsunset’smagichour，Whenmusingbysomesolitarystream，Whilethoughtawokeinitsresistlesspow’r，AndrestlessFancywoveherbrightestdream：
Mysterioustongues，thatwerenotoftheearth，HavewhisperedwordswhichImaynotrepeat，——
ButThoughtorFancyne’erhavegivenbirthToformandvoicelikethine，——sofairandsweet!
NorhaveIfoundthemwhenmyspirit’sflightHadbornemetothefarshoresofdelight。
Abovethemurmursofanhundredlips，Theyrose，thosesilverytonesofpraiseandpray’r，Softasthelightbreeze，whenAuroratripsTheearth，and，lightingupthedarkenedair，Carolshergreetingstothewakingflow’rs!
TheyfelluponmyheartlikesummerrainUponthethirstingfields，——andearlierhours，WhenItoobreathedth’adoringpray’randstrain，Camebackoncemore；thepresentwasbeguiledOfhalfitsgloom，andmywornspiritsmiled。
Pray，lady，thatthesad，soul—searingblight，WhichcomesuponuswhenwetreadthewaysOfsin，maynotbesufferedtoalightOnthypurespiritinitsyouthfuldays；
OrlikethefruitageoftheDeadSeashore，Tho’outwardbloomandfreshnessthoumay’stbe，Sternbitternessanddeathwillgnawthycore，Andthouwiltbeaheart—scathedthinglikeme，Bearingtheweightofmanyyears，erethouHastlostyouth’srosycheekandlinelessbrow。
IMPROMPTU，OnTheReceptionOfALetter。
Iwouldlovetohavetheenearme，ButwhenIthinkhowdrearIseachhopethatusedtocheerme，Iceasetowishtheehere。
Iknowthatthou，wouldstnotshrinkfromThestormsthatburstonme，ButthebitterchaliceIdrinkfrom，Iwillnotpasstothee。
Iwouldsharetheworldwiththee，wereitWithallitspleasuresmine，ButthesorrowswhichIinherit，Ineverwillmakethine!
THEOLDMANANDTHEBOY。
"Glenara，Glenara，nowreadmemydream。"
Campbell。
Father，Ihavedreamedadream，WhentherosymorninghourPoureditslightonfieldandstream，Kindlingnaturewithitspow’r；——
O’erthemeadow’sdewybreast，Ihadchasedabutterfly，Temptedbyitsgaudyvest，Stillmyvainpursuittoply，——
Tillmylimbswerewearygrown，WiththedistanceIhadstrayed，ThentorestIlaidmedown，Whereabeechtreecastitsshade，Soonaheavinesscameo’erme，Andadeepsleepsealedmyeyes；
Andavisionpastbeforeme，Fullofchangingphantasies。
FirstIstoodbesideabower，Greenassummerbow’rcouldbe；
Vineandfruit，andleafandflower，Mixedtoweaveitscanopy。
Andwithinreclinedaform，Asembodiedmoonlightfair，Withasoftcheek，freshandwarm，Deepblueeyeandsunnyhair。
Byhersideagobletstood，Suchasbacchanaliansbrim；
Hightherichgrape’scrimsonblood，Sparkledo’eritsgildedrim。
AsIgazed，shebowedherhead，Withagayandgracefulmove，Andinwordsofmusicsaid，"Drink，andlearntheloreoflove!"
NextIstoodbesideamountain，Ofmajesticformandheight；
Cliffandcrag，andglenandfountain，Mingledtomakeupitsmight。
OnitsloftybrowweregrowingFlowersneverchilledbygloom，Fortheskyabovethemglowing，Dyedthemwithadeathlessbloom。
AndIsawthecrystaldome，Wondrousinitsmajesty，Whereearth’sgreatonesfindahome，Whentheirspiritsaresetfree。
Byitsportals，IespiedOnewhokeptthecourtswithin；
Highhewavedawreathandcried，"Comeuphither，——striveandwin!"
Thenmyvisionchangedagain：
Inafairy—colouredshell，O’erthewidesea’spathlessplain，Iwasspeeding，fastandwell。
Suddenly，beneathitsprow，Partedweretheazurewaves，AndIsawwhere，farbelow，Yawnthevastdeep’ssecretcaves。
WheretheSyrensingshersong，TooldOcean’ssonsanddaughters；
Andthemermaidsdancealong，Tothemusicofthewaters。
Wherethecoralforesto’er，Stormortempestne’erisdrivenAndthegemsthatstrewitsfloor，Sparklelikethestarsinheaven。
Treasures，suchasnevereyeOftheearthhaslookedupon，Goldandpearlsofmanyadye，Thereinrichprofusionshone。
Andavoicecametomyear，Saying，inastern，coldtone，Suchaschillstheheartwithfear，"Seizeandmaketheprizethineown。"
Thenacrossacloudedwild，Loneanddrearanddesolate，Wherenocheerfulcottagesmiled，Ipursuedthestepsoffate。
Everbearinginmybreast，Thoughtsalmosttomadnesswrought；
Ever，everseekingrest，NeverfindingwhatISought——
TillIgavemywanderingso’er，Byablackandicystream，——
DeepIplungedandknewnomore：——
Father，readmenowmydream。
Theoldmanbowedhishead，Andpressedhisthinhandtohiswitheredbrow，AsifhestruggledwithsomerisingthoughtWhichshouldhavekeptitsplaceinmemory’surnTillhehadcasttheshadowfromhissoul，WhichforawhilehadbounditinaspellBornofthebygoneyears，——thenthushespoke：
Nowlisten，boy，andIwillshowtotheeTheimportofthyvision，——IwilltellTheewhatitsscenesandshapesofmysteryForeshadowofthefuture，——forfullwellIknowthewizardlore，whosewitcheryBindse’enthetimetocomeinitswildspell!
AndfromapproachingyearsaknowledgewringsOfwhattheybearupontheirviewlesswings。
Alonglife’swearywayofpainandcare，Fromearliestinfancytoeldestage，Forms，viewlessasthesoft—breathedsummerair，Attendman’sfootstepsinhispilgrimage；
Andifhisdestinybedarkorfair，IfPleasuregilds，orSorrowblotsthepageWhereonistracedhishistory，stillhisearWillevercatchtheirwarningvoicesnear。
Andthey——thoseguardianones，who，whilethysleepHungo’ertheelikeacurtain，camearoundAndfannedtheetillthyslumbergrewmoredeep，——
Flungo’erthyrest，soperfectandprofound，Adreamwhosemem’rythousbouldsteverkeepBoundtothyspirit，foraltho’itwound，Thyyoungheartnow，perchance，inafteryears，’Twillsavetheemuchoftoil，andmanytears。
Itwasadreamoflife：ofboyhood’sstrongAndsoul—consumingyearningsafterlove!
Hiseagersearchtofind，amidthethrong，Somehearttogivehimthoughtforthought——tomoveAndminglewithhisown，astwinesthesongFromBeauty’slyreandlips!toknowandproveThedearestjoytocare—cursedmortalsgiven，Theonewithleastofearth，andmostofheavenOfmanhood’sceaselessstrivingsafterfame，——
Theveriestphantomofallphantasies——
Forwhichhewieldsthesword，orlightstheflameWhoseredglaremocksanation’sagonies，——
Orbyhisstar—outwatchingtaper，pliesHispenorpencil，togain——what？aname，Apassingsound——anecho——amerebreath，Whichhe，vainfool，dreamsmightierthandeath!
Andofalaterperiod，whenthesoulForsakesitshighresolvesandwilddesires，WhensternAmbitioncannomorecontrol，AndLovehasshroudedo’eritssmotheredfires；
WhenExpectationceasestoconsole，AndHope，thelastkindcomforter，expires；
AndAvarice，monsterofthegildedvest，Creepsinandoccupiesthevacantbreast。
Andthenthelastsadscene：Thesickheart，soreAndfaintingfromitswounds——thepalsiedlimb——
Thebrowwhosedeath—sweatpeepsfromeverypore——
Theeyewithitslong，wearywatchgrowndim——
Thewithered，wancheek，thatshallbloomnomore——
ThelastdregsdrippingslowlyfromthebrimOflife’sdrainedcup，——behindallgloom，beforeAdeep，darkgulf——weplunge，andalliso’er!
ACLEATTHEGRAYEOFNERO。
ItisacircumstanceconnectedwiththehistoryofNero，thateveryspringandsummer，formanyyearsafterhisdeath，freshandbeautifulflowerswerenightlyscattereduponhisgravebysomeunknownhand。
TraditionrelatesthatitwasdonebyayoungmaidenofCorinth，namedAcle，whomNerohadbroughttoRomefromhernativecity，whitherhehadgoneinthedisguiseofanartist，tocontendintheNemean，Isthinian，andFloralgames，celebratedthere；andwhencehereturnedconquerorinthePalaestra，thechariotrace，andthesong；bearingwithhim，likeJasonofold，asecondMedea，divineinformandfeatureasthefirst，andwholikeherhadleftfather，friends，andcountry，tofollowastranger。
Eventheworsethansavagebarbarityofthissanguinarytyrant，hadnotcuthimofffromallhumanaffection；andthoseflowersweredoubtlessthetributeofthatyounggirl’sholyandenduringlove!
Whosenameisonyonletteredstone？whoseashesrestbeneath？
Thatthusyoucomewithflowerstodeckthemournfulhomeofdeath；
Andthou——whydarkenssothybrowwithgrief’suntimelygloom？
Thouartfitterforabridethanforawatcherbythetomb!
"Itisthenameofonewhosedeedsmademengrowpalewithfear，AndNero’s，stranger，isthedustthatliessepulchredhere；
Thatnamemaybeawordofharshandbodingsoundtothee，Butoh!ithasamorethanmortalmelodyforme!
"AndI，——myhearthasgrowntoageingirlhood’sfleetingyears，Andhasoneonlytask——tobatheitsburiedloveintears；
Thealloflifethatyetremainstomeisbutitsbreath；
Thentellme，isitmeetthatIshouldseekthebridalwreath？"
Butmaiden，heofwhomyonspeakwasofasavagemood，Thattookitsjoyaloneinscenes，ofcarnage，tearsandblood；
Hisdark，wildspiritborethestainofcrime’smostloathsomehue，Andloveisforthehighofsoul——thegentleandthetrue。
"Thevoicethattaughtanabjectworldtotrembleatitswords，Tomewasmildandmusical，andmellowasabird’s——
Abird’s——thatcouchedamongthegreen，broadbranchesofthedate，Tells，initssilverysongs，itsgushinggladnesstoitsmate。
"Isawhimfirstbesidethesea；neartorayfather’shome，Whenlikeanoceandeityheboundedfromthefoam；
Ev’nthenagloryseemedtobreathearoundhimashetrod，Andmyhaughtysoulwasbowed，asinthepresenceofaGod。
Iknewnot，tillmyheartwashis，thedarknessofhisown，Nordreamedthathewhoknelttomewasmasterofathrone!
Andwhenthefearfulknowledgecame，itscomingwasinvain，——
Ihadforsakenallforhim，andwoulddosoagain。"
Islovetheoffspringofthewill？orisit，likeaflower，Sofrailthatitmayfadeandbeforgotteninanhour？
No，no!itspringsunbiddenwheretheheart’sdeepfountainsplay，Andcherishedbytheirhalloweddew，itcannotpassaway!
THEVENETIANGIRL’SEVENINGSONG。
Unmoortheskiff，——unmoortheskiff，——
Thenightwind’ssighisontheair，Ando’erthehighestAlpinecliff，Thepalemoonrises，broadandclear。
Themurmuringwavesaretranquilnow，AndontheirbreasteachtwinklingstarWithwhichNightgemsherduskybrow，Flingsitsmildradiancefromafar。
Putoffuponthedeepbluesea，Andleavethebanquetandtheball；
Forsolitude，whensharedwiththee，Isdearerthanthecarnival。
Andinmyheartarethoughtsoflove，Suchthoughtsaslipsshouldonlybreathe，Whenthebrightstarskeepwatchabove，Andthecalmwaterssleepbeneath!
ThetaleIhaveforthee，perchance，MaytothineeyeanewimpartThelong—lostgladnessofitsglance，Andsoothethesorrowsofthyheart；
Come，Iwillsingfortheeagain，Thesongswhichonceourmotherssung，EretyrannyitsgallingchainOnthem，andthosetheyloved，hadhung。
Thou’rtsad；thousay’stthatinthehallsWhichechoedonceourfather’stread，Thestranger’sidlefootstepfalls，Withsoundthatmightawakethedead!
Themightydead!whosedustaroundAnatmosphereofreverencesheds；
Ifaughtofearthlyvoiceorsound，Mightreachthemintheirmarblebeds。
Thatshetowhomthedeepgavebirth，——
FairVenice!towhosequeenlystoresThewealthandbeautyoftheearthWerewaftedfromanhundredshores!
Nowonherwave—girtsite，forlorn，Sitsshroudedinaffliction’snight，——
Theobjectofthetyrant’sscorn，Sadmonumentoffallenmight。
Well，tho’inherdesertedhallsThefireonFreedom’sshrineisdead，Tho’o’erherdarkened，crumblingwalls，SternDesolation’spallisspread；
Isnotthesecondbetterpart，Tothatwhichrendsthedespot’schain，Towearitwithadauntlessheart，Tofeelyetshrinknotfromitspain？
ThenletthecreepingivytwineItswreathsabouteachruinedarch，TillTimeshallcrushtheminthebrine，Beneathitsall—triumphantmarch!
ThenlettheswellingwaterscloseAbovethesea—child’ssinkingframe，Andhideforeverfromherfoes，Eachtraceandvestigeofhershame。
Shallweatlastlesscalmlysleep，Wheninthenarrowdeath—housepent，BecausethebosomofthedeepShallbeouronlymonument？
No!bythewasteofwatersbid，Ourtombsaswellshallkeeptheirtrust，Astho’amarblepyramidWerepiledaboveourmangleddust!
WrittenintheNationalGallery，atthecityofWashington，onlookingataMummy，supposedtohavebelongedtoaraceextinctbeforetheoccupationoftheWesternContinentbythepeopleinwhosepossessiontheEuropeansfoundit。
SoleandmysteriousrelicofaraceThatlonghasceasedtobe，whoseveryname，Time，everbearingonwithsteadypace，Hassweptawayfromearth，leavingthyframe，Darkenedbythirtycenturies，toclaim，Amongtherecordsofthethingsthatwere，Itsplace，——Traditionhasforgotthee——Fame，Ifeverfamewasthine，hasceasedtobearHerrecordofthee，——say，whatdostthouhere？
Threethousandyearsagoamother’sarmsWerewrappedaboutthatdarkandghastlyform，Andallthelovelinessofchildhood’scharmsGlowedonthatcheek，withlifethenflushedandwarm；
Say，whatpreservedtheefromthehungrywormThathauntswithgnawingtooththegloomybedSpreadforthelifeless？TellwhatcoulddisarmDecayofhalfitspower，andwhileitfedOnempires——races——makeitsparethedead!
Howstrangetocontemplatethewondrousstory，Whenthosedeepsunkeneyesfirstsawthelight，LostBabylonwasinhermiddayglory，——
Uponherprideandpowerhadfall’nnoblight；
AndTyre，theancientmariner’sdelight，Whosemerchantmenwereprinces，andwhosenameWasthemeofpraisetoall，haslefthersiteToutterbarrennakednessandshame，——
Yetthou，amidallchange，artstillthesame。
Andshewho，bythe"yellowTiber’s"side，Sitswrappedinherdarkveilofwidowhood，Withscarceaglimmerofherancientpride，TocheerthegloomofthatdeepsolitudeWhicho’ertheseatofvanquishedpow’rdothbrood，Sincethouwastbornhasseenhergloriesrise，Burn，andexpire!quenchedbythestreamsofbloodWhichherslavesdrewfromherownveins，thepriceOfusurpation，proudAmbition’ssacrifice!
Anddarkerinherfate，andsadderstill，Thesacredcityoftheminstrelking，ThatproudlysatonZion’sholyhill，Thewonderoftheworld!Destruction’swingHathfromherswepteachfairandgoodlything；
Herpalacesandtemples!wherearethey？
Herwallsandmarbletow’rsliemouldering，Herglorytothespoiler’shandaprey，——
Andyettimesparesaportionofthyclay!
Andthouarthereamidastrangerrace，Towhomtheseshoresfourcenturiesago，Tho’nowproudFreedom’sboasteddwelling—place，Wereallunknown；thewidestreamsthatnowflowWhereCultivation’shandhassteeredherplough，HadthenbutseentheforesthuntsmanguideHislightcanoeacrossthewaveswhichnowReflectthesnowysailsthatwaftinprideThestatelyshipalongtheirripplingtide。
Thouartthesilentmessengerofages，SentbacktotreadwithTimehisconstantway，Toshamethewisdomofconceitedsages，Whoseloreisbutathingofyesterday；
Whatwouldtheirbest，theirbrightestvisionsweighBesidethefearfultruthsthoucouldstreveal？
ThesecretsofeternitynowlayUnveiledbeforethee，andforweorweal，Thydoomisfixedbeyondev’nheaven’srepeal。
IwillnotasktheeofthemysteriesThatliebeyondDeath’sshadowyvale；butthouMaysttellusofthefatetheDestiniesWoveforthineearthlysojourn。WasthybrowGracedwiththepoet’s，hero’sgarland？HowDealtFortunewiththee？DidshecurseorblessTheewithherfrownorsmile？Speak!thouartnowAmongtheliving，——theyaroundtheepress。
Stillsilent？Thenthylotwecanbutguess。
Perhapsthouwastamonarch，andhastwornThesceptreofsomerealElDorado!
Perhapsawarrior，andthosearmshaveborneTheforemostshield，anddealtthedeadliestblowThatdrewthelife—bloodofawarringfoe!
Perhapsthouwor’stthecourtier’sgildedthrall，——
Someglitteringcourt’sgay，proudpapilio!
Perchanceaclown，thejesterofsomehall，Theslaveofoneman，andthefoolofall!
Ohlife!andpride!andhonour!comeandseeTowhatadepthyourvisionstumbledown!
Beholdyourwearer，——whoshallsayifheWeremonarch，warrior，parasite，orclown!
Andye，whotalkofgloryandrenown，Andcallthembrightanddeathless!andwhobreakEachdearertietograspfame’sgildedcrown，Come，hearinstructionfromthisshadowspeak，Andlearnhowvaluelesstheprizeyeseek!
Seewhereambition’sloftiestflightdothtend，Beholdthedoomperhapsofblood—boughtfame，Andknowthatallwhichearthcangivemustend，Industandashes，andanemptyname!
Yepassions!whichdefyourpow’rtotameOrcurbyourheadlongtides，beholdyourhome!
Love!seethebreastwherethoudidstlightthyflame!
Immortalspirit!seethyshattereddome!
Whenshallitshourofrenovationcome？
Shalllifepossess，andbeautydeckagainThatwitheredform，andfoulandduskycheek？
WillDeathresignhisdullandfrozenreign，AndtheimmortalsoulreturntoseekHerlong—deserteddwelling，andtobreakThebondagewhichhasheldinicychainsAllthatwasmortalofthee？willshemakeHerhomeinthee，andshallthesepoorremainsSharewithherheaven’spleasuresorhell’spains？
Wonderofwonders!whocouldlookontheeAndafterwardsurveywithcuriouseyeThemoulderingshrineswheredupeshavebenttheknee，Wheresuperstition，byhypocrisyNurturedandfedwithtalesofmystery，Hasoftwithtimidfootsteptremblingtrod，——
Alltheseareworsethannothing；comeandseeWhereonceadeathlesssoulhelditsabode，——
ThewreckedandruinedpalaceofaGod!
Farewell!Notidlyhasthishourbeenspent。
ThysilentteachingsImaynotforget，——
Moredeeply，strangely，trulyeloquent，ThanallthebabbledwordswhicheveryetHavefall’nfromlivinglips，——theyshallbesetWiththebrightgemswhichWisdomlovestokeep；
Andwhenmyspiritagainstfatewouldfret，Myeyesshallturntotheeandceasetoweep，TillItoosleepdeath’sdeepanddreamlesssleep!
TOISABEL。
Comenearmewiththylips，and，breatheo’ermineTheirbreath，forIconsumewithlove’sdesire，——
Thineivoryarmsaboutmeclaspandtwine，Andbeamuponmineeyethineeye’ssoftfire；
Claspmeyetcloser，tillmyheartfeelsthineThrill，asthechordsofMemnon’smysticlyreThrilledatthesun’suprising!thouwhoartThelone，theworshippedidolofmyheart!
There!balmierthanthesouthwind，whenitbringsThescentofaromaticshrubandtree，Andtropicfloweronifsglowingwings，Thineodorousbreathiswaftedoverme；
Howtothydewylipsmineownlipclings，Andmywholebeingisabsorbedinthee；
AndinmybreastthineeyeshavelitafireThatnever，never，nevershallexpire!
Eternal——isitnoteternal——thisOurpassionatelove？whatpow’rshallpartustwain？
NotevenDeath!LifecouldbestownoblissLikedeathwiththee，andIwouldrenditschainIfthoushouldstperish，formyheavenisTogazeuponthee!IcouldbearallpainUnsighing，sonotpartedfromthyside，Mybeautiful!myspirit’schosenbride!
Theytrytowoomefromthyfondembrace，Toluremefromthelightofthosedeareyes；
Theytellmethatinfortune’sarduouschase，Ihavesuchfleetnessaswouldwintheprize；——
Butallthepompsofcircumstanceandplace，Aglance，aword，asmileofthineoutvies!
LeaveFortunetoherparasites!minebeTheblessedlottodwellwithloveandthee。
Toleadtheeonthroughlife，andtoenlargeThysoulwithaddedknowledge，daybyday，Toguardthee，asanangelguardshischarge，Fromeveryillthatlurksalongtheway!
Tosmooththatruggedway，andstrewitsmargeWiththebrightflowrsthatnevercandecay，——
Thiswerealottooglorious，toodivine，AndyetHopewhispersthatitshallbemine。
Nowlisten，love，——thisplanshallrulemylifeAndthine：——Insomeremoteandsunnydell，Farfromthecrowdedcity’ssillystrife，Myhandsshallrearthehomewherewewilldwell；
Shalltillthesoil，withfertilefruitagerife，Andteachthegoldeneartoshootandswell；
AndmysolewishedforrecompenseshallbeMyevergrowing，deep’ningloveforthee。
Thytaskshallbetotrainthetrailingvine，Towatch，andcherishinitsgrowth，theflow’rWhosebreathandcheekaresweetandfairasthine；
Toblessandbrightenthedomesticbow’rWherewewillbuildtoLoveahallowedshrine，Andbowus，inhisworship，everyhour；
Till，chastenedbythysmile，myhearthasgrownAspure，andsoft，andsinlessasthineown。
Oh，hasten，love!torealizethedream，——
Comefromtheworld，——thecrowdisnotforthee；
Forsakeitthen，erethecontagioussteamOfitsfoulbreathhassoiledthypurity；——
Come，formyheartwouldburstcouldIbutdeemThatsuchastheyare，thoucouldsteverbe!
Come，formysouladorestheewithaloveAsburningastheseraphsfeelabove。
TheselinesareinscribedtothememoryofJohnQ。Carlin，killedatBuenaVista。
Warrioroftheyouthfulbrow，Eagerheartandeagleeye!
Pantsthysoulforbattlenow？
Burnsthyglancewithvictory？
Dostthoudreamofconflictsdone，Perilspastandtrophieswon？
Andanation’sgratefulpraiseGiventothineafterdays？
Bloodlessisthycheek，andcoldAstheclayuponitprest；
Andinmanyaslimyfold，Windsthegrave—wormroundthybreast。
Thouwiltjointhefightnomore，——
Glory’sdreamwiththeeiso’er，——
AndalikearenowtotheeGreatnessandobscurity。
Butaneversunnysky，O’erthyplaceofrestisbending；
Andabovethygrave，andnigh，Flowerseverbrightareblending。
O’erthydreamless，calmrepose，Balmilythesouthwindblows，——
Withthegreenturfonthybreast，Restthee，youthfulwarrior，rest!
Whenthealarumfirstwassounded，Marshallinginarmsthebrave，Forththyfearlessspiritbounded，Toobtainthee——what？Agrave!
Famehadwhisperedinthineear，Wordsthehigh—souledlovetohear，——
ButtheruthlesshandofdeathFromtheesnatchedthehero’swreath。
Oftenwillthegrief—shadestartO’erthysister’smoodofjoy，Vainlywillthymother’sheartYearntogreetherabsentboy；
Neversister’slipshallpressOnthineownitsfondcaress，——
Nevermoreamother’seyeFlashinpridewhenthouartby!
Wheretheorange，bendinglowlyWithitsgoldenfruit，isswaying；
AndtheIndianmaiden，slowlyByhernativestreamisstraying；
O’erthydreamless，calmrepose，BalmilytheSouthwindblows，——
Withthegreenturfonthybreast，Restthee，youthfulwarrior，rest!
ALEGENDOFTHEHARTZ。
Manyagesago，nearthehighHartz，theredweltAruderaceofblood—lovinggiants，whofeltNojoybutthefierceonewhichCarnagebestows，Whenherfoullipsarecloggedwiththebloodofherfoes。
AndfiercerandbolderthanalloftherestWasBohdo，（1）theirchieftain；——’twasstrangethatabreast，Whichnothinglikekindnessorpitymightmove，Shouldglowwiththewarmthandtheraptureoflove。
Yetheloved，andthepalemountain—monarch’sfairchildWasthemaidofhisheart；buttho’burningandwildWasthelovethatheboreher，itwonnoreturn，Andtheflamethatconsumedhimwasansweredwithscorn。
Nowtheladyisgonewithhersteedtotheplain，——
Savethefalconandhoundthereisnoneinhertrain；
Sheneedsnonetoguide，ortoguardherfromharmThere’snofearinherheart，thereisstrengthinherarm。
Fromherwhitewristunhoodedherfalconshethrew，HerbowlikeDiana，thehuntress，shedrew；
Andfleetasthefetterlessbirdsweptthesky，Soonherproudsteedsweptthefairladyby。
Seehowhereyesparkles，andhowhercheekglows，Asonwardsofearlessandproudlyshegoes，Withherlocksstreamingbacklikeabannerofgold，Wereshenot，say，abridemeetforNimrod（2）ofold？
Andhesawher——thechief，fromhistowerafar——
Assheglancedo’ertheearthlikesomewanderingstar；
Andhesworesheshouldcomeinthattowertodwell，Orhissoulbeaprizetothespiritsofhell。
Hiswar—horsehemounted，and，swiftastheshootOfthenight—gatheredmeteor，hespedinpursuit，——
Breathingout，ashewent，madwithloveandwithhate，Bittercurseuponcurseagainstheavenandfate。
Urgingonhisfleetcourserwithspurandwithrein，Heswepto’ertheearthasthestormsweepstheplain，——
Andthefairladyknew，bythegleamofhisshield，ItwasBohdo，thescourgeoftheredbattlefield!
Thenspurredshehersteedovervalleyandhill，Overrock，marshandmoor，overriverandrill，Yetstillhereyesparkled，andstillhercheekglowed，Asonwardsofleetlyandbravelysherode。
ThusoverThuringiaspedsheaway，Withthespeedofthehawkwhenhedartsonhisprey，——
Oranarrowletloosefromawarrior’sbow，Whenitspeedswithsureaimtotheheartofhisfoe。
ThentheHartz，thewildHartz——theterrific——theproud!
Wherethemist—spiritdwellsinhispalaceofcloud!
Wheretheevilonesgatherinenviouswrath，Toblightandtoblast，——toweredupinherpath。
Stillhercheekkeptitsglow，stillhereyeflashedinpride，Asonwardsheflewupthesteepmountainside；
Andfierceasthetempest，andfleetasthewind，SternBohdo，theruthless，stillfollowedbehind。
Toafearfulabyss，whoseunhallowedname（3）
Bythepowersofdarknesswasgiven，shecame，Andthewhirlpool’swildvoice，fromthedarkgulfbelow，Cameuplikethewailofasoulinitswe。
Beyondrosetherockyshelf，barrenandbare，Beneathlaythewhirlpool，aroundherdespair，Behindhercameone，sweepingoninthechase，Whosegraspwasmoredreadedthandeath’scoldembrace。
Thenshecalledonthespiritswhowatchroundthebrave，Inperiltonerve，toassistandtosave，Closedcalmlyhereyes，asonesinkinginsleep，Andurgedherproudsteedtotheterribleleap!
Amomentitpausedonthehighprecipice，Thensprang，boldlysprang，o’erthefrightfulabyss!
AndstruckitsfirmhoofintherocktillthesoundShookthehills，andthesparksflewlikelightningaround!
Andthefoot—printitlefthasremainedtothisday，Andnorain—floodortempestshallwearitaway；
Shewassaved——thebraveEmmawassaved——buthercrown，Fromherfairbrowunloosed，inthewhirlpoolsankdown。
On，oncamethechief，inhisfiercenessandwrath，Norsawhethewidegulfthatyawnedinhispath，——
Andsoon，inthedepthsofitsfathomlesstide，Thewarriorandwar—steedwerelaidsidebyside。
Andthemountaineertellshowinsullendespair，Hisghost，imannealedofitssins，lingersthere；
Everwatching，pale，silent，untiring，unmoved，Thebrightgoldencrownofthemaidenheloved。
Adiveronce，luredbythewealthoftheprize，Soughtoutthedeepcavewhereitlay，andstilllies，Andwhere，chainedbyaspirit—breathedspell，itshallstay，Tillthewhirlpoolandmountainalikepassaway。
Twiceherosewiththecrown，tillitsgleamingpointsblazedOntheeyesofthewonderingthousandswhogazed，Twiceitfellfromhisgrasp，andsankquicklyagainTothebedwhereforyearsundisturbedithadlain。
Hefollowed，——thiseffortthetreasuremayearn——
Butvainlytheywatchwhoawaithisreturn；
Aredhueofbloodtingedthedeepwaterso’er，Butthedivercameupfromtheirdarkdepthsnomore。
1。Bohdo。Thishero，ashischaracterisdrawnintheoriginallegend，ortradition，fromwhichthematerialoftheseverseswastaken（atraditionwhichgivesthepopularaccountoftheformationofanimmensemarkorcavityinarock，calledthe"Rosstrappe"or"Horse’sfootstep，"）isworthyofbeingenrolledamongOdin’sBerserker。
2。Nimrod。"AmightyhunterbeforetheLord。"HebuiltBabylonandfoundedthatroyallinewhichterminatedwiththedeathofSardanapalus；whosegentlenessandaversiontobloodspilling，togetherwithhispassionforhis"IonianMyrrha，"costhimanempire，andgainedhimanimmortality。
3。"Itwasnamed，"saysthetradition，"TheDevil’sdancing—place，fromthetriumphthereofthespiritsofhell。"