I CCXXIV PAST AND PRESENT REMEMBER, I remember He never came a wink too soon I remember, I remember The laburnum on his birthday, — The tree is living yet! I remember, I remember Where I was used to swing, And thought the air must rush as fresh To swallows on the wing; My spirit flew in feathers then That is so heavy now, And summer pools could hardly cool The fever on my brow. I remember, I remember The fir-trees dark and high; I used to think their slender tops Were close against the sky : It was a childish ignorance, To know I'm farther off from Heaven Than when I was a boy. T. Hood CCXXV THE LIGHT OF OTHER DAYS FT in the stilly night OFT Ere slumber's chain has bound me, Fond Memory brings the light Of other days around me : Of boyhood's years, The words of love then spoken; The eyes that shone, Now dimm'd and gone, The cheerful hearts now broken! Thus in the stilly night Ere slumber's chain has bound me, Sad Memory brings the light Of other days around me. When I remember all The friends so link'd together I've seen around me fall Like leaves in wintry weather, I feel like one Who treads alone Some banquet-hall deserted. Whose lights are fled And all but he departed! Thus in the stilly night Ere slumber's chain has bound me, Sad Memory brings the light Of other days around me. T. Moore CCXXVI INVOCATION RARELY, rarely, comest thou, Spirit of Delight! Wherefore hast thou left me now Many a day and night? Many a weary night and day 'Tis since thou art fled away. How shall ever one like me As a lizard with the shade Of a trembling leaf, Thou with sorrow art dismay'd; Even the sighs of grief Reproach thee, that thou art not near, And reproach thou wilt not hear. Let me set my mournful ditty To a merry measure; Thou wilt come for pleasure; Pity then will cut away Those cruel wings, and thou wilt stay. I love all that thou lovest, Spirit of Delight! The fresh Earth in new leaves drest And the starry night; Autumn evening, and the morn I love snow and all the forms I love waves, and winds, and storms, Which is Nature's, and may be I love tranquil solitude, As is quiet, wise, and good; Between thee and me What diff'rence? but thou dost possess The things I seek, not love them less. I love Love- though he has wings, And like light can flee, And above all other things, Spirit, I love thee— Thou art love and life! O come! Make once more my heart thy home! P. B. Shelley CCXXVII STANZAS WRITTEN IN DEJECTION NEAR NAPLES HE sun is warm, the sky is clear, T swais fast bright, Blue isles and snowy mountains wear I see the Deep's untrampled floor With green and purple sea-weeds strown; I see the waves upon the shore Like light dissolved in star-showers thrown : I sit upon the sands alone; The lightning of the noon-tide ocean Is flashing round me, and a tone Arises from its measured motion -- How sweet! did any heart now share in my emotion. Alas! I have nor hope nor health, And walk'd with inward glory crown'd— Smiling they live, and call life pleasure; To me that cup has been dealt in another measure. |