Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1822.pdf/57



The song died in low sobs. "I ever felt That it would come to this,—that I should be Forsaken and forgotten! I would give Life, more than life, those precious memories Of happiness and ! I'd forget That I have been beloved, all I have known Of rapture, all the dreams that long have been My sole existence, but to feel again As I felt ere I loved—ere I had given My every hope as passion's sacrifice." Her face was hidden in her hands; but tears Trickled through her slight fingers—tears, those late Vain tributes to remorse! At length she rose, And paced with eager steps her scented bower, Then trimmed her lamp, and gathered flowers and leaves, Twined them in wreaths, and placed them gracefully; Then felt the vanity of all her care, And scattered them around. The morning broke, And hastily she left the shade, to hide From all her anxious heart—her misery! That day she knew her fate—heard that Was now betrothed to the high-born. wept not, although her heart Swelled nigh to bursting; but she hid her thoughts. Next morning she was gone! - - - - - The palace was all lustre, like a dome, A fairy dome; the roofs were all one blaze With lamp and chandelier; the mirrors shone Like streams of light, and, waving gracefully, The purple draperies hung festooned with wreaths, That shed their incense round. Hall after hall Opened in some new splendour. Proud the feast The Duke to-night gives for his peerless child, And Castile's noblest are all met to greet and her gallant lover: princely forms, And ladies beautiful, whose footsteps fell