Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1822.pdf/44



By the pale Moon, and in her tender light Read the love written in each other's eyes, And call her for a witness. Oh 'tis bliss To wander thus, arm linked in arm!—a look, A sigh, a blush, the only answers given To the so witching tales fond lips are telling.— One eve they parted even more tenderly Than they were wont to do; but one day more And their fate would be linked in a true bond Of deep affection; henceforth but one life!— But the next morn he came not, and Watched down the vale in vain! The evening closed, And by her fireside there was solitude; Morn blushed again, and found her still alone, That promised morning, whose light should have shed Gladness o'er the sweet bride, but shone on tears, On loneliness and terror! Days pass'd by, But came not; none knew of his fate; It was all mystery and fear. They searched The valleys and the mountains, but no trace Was left to tell of either life or death: He had departed like a shadow. Strange And drear were now the many tales they told In his own village: some said the snow-pit Had been his grave, and some that still he lived; And wild old histories were now recalled Of mortals loved by powerful beings, who Bore them from earth—and was so young, So beautiful, he might well be beloved By mountain-spirits. But alas for her, His widowed Bride! how soon she changed from all The beauty of her youth—her long gold hair Lost its bright colour, and her fair blue eyes Forgot the sunshine of their smile, for never Her countenance was brightened up again By the heart's gladsome feelings. So she lived A solitary thing, to whom the world Was nothing; and she shunned all intercourse, Shrunk even from the voice of soothing; all Her earthly ties were broken, and she could But brood o'er her great misery. - - -