O EXCELSIOR In happy homes he saw the light 267 Of household fires gleam warm and bright; "Try not the Pass!" the old man said; The roaring torrent is deep and wide!" "O stay," the maiden said, “and rest "Beware the pine-tree's withered branch! Beware the awful avalanche!" 268 MISCELLANEOUS. This was the peasant's last Good-night, A voice replied, far up the height, Excelsior! At break of day, as heavenward A voice cried through the startled air A traveler, by the faithful hound, Still grasping in his hand of ice There in the twilight cold and gray, Lifeless, but beautiful, he lay, |