Page:Felicia Hemans in The New Monthly Magazine Volume 20 1827.pdf/12



thing of years departed! What ages have gone by, Since here the mournful seal was set By Love and Agony!

Temple and tower have moulder'd,    Empires from Earth have pass'd— And woman's heart hath left a trace Those glories to outlast!

And childhood's fragile image Thus fearfully enshrined, Survives the proud memorials rear'd    By conquerors of mankind!

Babe! wert thou calmly slumbering Upon thy mother's breast, When suddenly the fiery tomb Shut round each gentle guest?

A strange dark fate o'ertook you, Fair babe and loving heart! One moment of a thousand pangs— Yet better than to part!

Haply of that fond bosom On ashes here impress'd, Thou wert the only treasure, child! Whereon a hope might rest.