WAS near the walls that gird the imperial town, I saw, whilst Tiber glowed beneath my feet, From heaven's illumined vault the Sun go down ; The lofty Capitol, like burnished crown, The Plain in purple haze lay slumbering deep, Man, here alas! for ages overthrown, With no gleam kindles, sunk in deathlike sleep, I THOU! whose golden reins curb steeds of fire, Blest be the rosy hours that onward bring Thy glorious pomp, now Night with folded wing Hides in her cave, and heaven's pale host retire: Fresh from their flowery beds the gales respire, Now Ocean shines distinct, the bark unmoors; And hopeful Man, as on thy state is roll'd, A deeper dye, and ripens fruits of gold. THE EVENING CLOUD. CLOUD lay cradled near the setting sun; O'er the still radiance of the lake below; Even in its very motion there was rest; While every breath of eve that chanced to blow Wafted the traveller to the beauteous west. Emblem, methought, of the departed soul, To whose white robe the gleam of bliss is given; And by the breath of mercy made to roll Right onward to the golden gates of Heaven; Where to the eye of Faith it peaceful lies, And tells to man his glorious destinies. O up among the mountains, when the storm And thro' the haunted air, each giant form 'Mid those gaunt shapeless things thou art alone! The mind exists, thinks, trembles thro' the ear, The memory of the human world is gone, And time and space seem living only here. O, worship thou the visions then made known, While sable glooms round Nature's temple roll, And her dread anthem peals into thy soul ! THE TOMB OF CHARLEMAGNE. MID the torch-lit gloom of Aachen's aisle A simple stone, where, fitly to record A world of action by a single word, Was graven "Carlo-Magno." Regal style Was needed none: that name such thoughts restored As sadden, yet make nobler men the while. Otho looked face to face on Charlemagne ! |