VINETA. OUT from the deep, deep caverns of the sea, While 'neath the bosom of the quiet stream To glittering waters with enchantments bright, Once seen beneath the glow of evening skies, The sailor oft returns with eager sight, Though near his bark the threatening cliffs arise. Thus from the heart's deep well is music ringing, How fair a world lies here beneath the stream! Fain am I, then, to dive beneath the glow, From the German of UHLAND. 'MUSIC I' THE AIR.' O LISTEN to the howling sea, That beats on the remorseless shore; When our wild hearts shall beat no more. O listen well and listen long! For sitting folded close to me, You could not hear a sweeter song Than that hoarse murmur of the sea. GEORGE W. CURTIS. ELEGIAC. THE winter eve, how soft, how mild! The earth is like a weary child, And ocean sings its lullaby. A little ripple in my ear! A little motion at my feet! They only make the quiet here, Which they disturb not, more complete. I wander on the sands apart, I watch the sun, world-wearied, sink Into his grave; -with tranquil heart Upon the loved and lost I think. R. C. TRENCH. HYMN. O UNSEEN Spirit! now a calm divine Comes forth from Thee, rejoicing earth and air! Trees, hills, and houses, all distinctly shine, And thy great ocean slumbers every where. The chime of bells remote, the murmuring sea, The song of birds in whispering copse and wood, The distant voice of children's thoughtless glee, And maiden's song, are all one voice of good. Amid the leaves' green mass a sunny play Of flash and shadow, stirs like inward life; The ship's white sail glides onward far away, Unhaunted by a dream of storm or strife. O Thou! the primal fount of life and peace, How longs each pulse within the weary soul Prepare, O Truth Supreme! through shame and pain A heart attuned to thy celestial calm; Let not reflection's pangs be roused in vain, But heal the wounded breast with soothing balm. So, firm in steadfast hope, in thought secure, In One, who walk'd on earth a man of wo, And give the might my failing will requires. So this great All around, so He, and Thou, To land, and sea, and air, thy presence brings. STERLING. |