Page:Hemans Miscellaneous Poetry 5.pdf/3



Yet not for this, O Death! Not for the vernal breath Of winds, that shake forth music from the trees; Not for the splendour given To Night's dark regal heaven, Spoiler! I ask thee not reprieve for these.

But for the happy love Whose light, where'er I rove, Kindles all nature to a sudden smile, Shedding on branch and flower A rainbow-tinted shower Of richer life—spare, spare me yet awhile!

Too soon, too fast thou'rt come! Too beautiful is home, A home of gentle voices and kind eyes! And I the loved of all, On whom fond blessings fall From every lip—oh wilt thou rend such ties?

Sweet Sisters! weave a chain My spirit to detain; Hold me to earth with strong affection back! Bind me with mighty love Unto the stream, the grove, Our daily paths—our life's familiar track!

Stay with me—gird me round! Your voices bear a sound Of hope—a light comes with you and departs; Hush my soul's boding knell That murmurs of farewell! How can I leave this ring of kindest hearts?

Death! Grave! and are there those That woo your dark repose Midst the rich beauty of the glowing earth? Surely about them lies No world of loving eyes— Leave me, oh! leave me unto home and hearth!