Page:Felicia Hemans in The Amulet 1829.pdf/8



Where'er a home and hearth have been, That now are man's no more; A place of ivy, freshly green, Where laughter's light is o'er.

Where'er, by some forsaken grave, Some nameless greensward heap, A bird may sing, a violet wave, A star its vigil keep;

Or where a yearning heart of old, Or a dream of shepherd men, With forms of more than earthly mould, Hath peopled grot or glen.

There may the bard's high themes be found— We die, we pass away; But faith, love, pity—these are bound To earth without decay.

The heart that burns, the cheek that glows, The tear from hidden springs, The thorn, and glory of the rose— These are undying things.

Wave after wave of mighty stream, To the deep sea hath gone; Yet not the less, like youth's bright dream, Th' exhaustless flood rolls on.