Page:Felicia Hemans in The Winter's Wreath 1831.pdf/9

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Returning, finds not even his peasant home Unchanged amidst its vineyards. Some loved face Which made the sun-light of his lowly board, Is touched by sickness, some familiar voice Greets him no more; and shall not fate and time Have done their work, since last we parted hence, Upon an Empire? Aye, within those years, Hearts from their ancient worship have fallen off And bowed before new stars; high names have sunk From their supremacy of place, and others Gone forth, and made themselves the mighty sounds At which thrones tremble. Oh! be slow to trust E'en those to whom your smiles were wont to seem As light is unto flowers. Search well the depths Of bosoms in whose keeping you would shrine The secret of your state. Storms pass not by, Leaving earth's face unchanged.

. Where didst thou learn The cold distrust which casts so deep a shadow O'er a most noble nature?

. Life hath been My stern and only teacher. I have known Vicissitudes in all things, but the most In human hearts. Oh! yet awhile tame down That royal spirit, till the hour be come When it may burst its bondage! On thy brow The suns of burning climes have set their seal, And toil, and years, and perils, have not passed O'er the bright aspect, and the ardent eye, As doth a breeze of summer. Be that change