XII. To Thyrza. WITHOUT a stone to mark the spot, And say, what Truth might well have said, By all, save one, perchance forgot, Ah, wherefore art thou lowly laid? By many a shore and many a sea To bid us meet-no-ne'er again! That softly said, "We part in peace," Who held, and holds thee in his heart? Oh! who like him had watch'd thee here? In that dread hour ere death appear, Had flow'd as fast-as now they flow. Affection's mingling tears were ours? Ours too the glance none saw beside; The smile none else might understand; The whisper'd thought of hearts allied, The pressure of the thrilling hand; The kiss so guiltless and refin'd That Love each warmer wish forboreThose eyes proclaim'd so pure a mind, Ev'n passion blush'd to plead for more The tone, that taught me to rejoice, But sweet to me from none but thine; But where is thine?-ah, where art thou? Well hast thou left in life's best bloom I would not wish thee here again : Thy virtues seek a fitter sphere, Impart some portion of thy bliss To wean me from mine anguish here. Teach me too early taught by thee!- To bear, forgiving and forgiv❜n: On earth thy love was such to me; It fain would form my hope in heav'n! XIII. STANZAS. 1. AWAY, away, ye notes of woe! Be silent thou once soothing strain, Or I must flee from hence, for, oh! I dare not trust those sounds again. But lull the chords, for now, alas! 2. The voice that made those sounds more sweet Is hush'd, and all their charms are fled; And now their softest notes repeat A dirge, an anthem o'er the dead! Yes, Thyrza! yes, they breathe of thee, And all that once was harmony Is worse than discord to my heart! 3. "Tis silent all!—but on my ear I hear a voice I would not hear, A voice that now might well be still. Yet oft my doubting soul 'twill shake: • Ev'n slumber owns its gentle tone, Till consciousness will vainly wake To listen, though the dream be flown. 4. Sweet Thyrza! waking as in sleep, A star that trembled o'er the deep, Then turn'd from earth its tender beam. |