Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1823.pdf/88



On one side of the roof a golden blaze, Curtained by crimson clouds, told that the Sun, Heralded by her star, had met his bride, The sweet young Morning; and around, a ring Of radiant shapes were gathered: in the midst Was one, a very dream of loveliness, Her hair streamed on the wind, a shower of gold Hung from a crown of stars, and four white steeds Were harnessed by spring blossoms to the car Whereon she stood. Her eye was on a youth, Graceful as young Endymion when the moon Shed her pale smile upon his marble brow And thick and raven curls: he stood beneath A green beech tree, two hounds were by his side, Impatient of his idleness, while he Leant on his useless spear, watching the sleep Of his young Bride. He had just heard his name Murmured, in tones low as a bird's first song, From her half opened lips, which like spring flowers Drank the fresh air, then sighed it forth again With added fragrance. There was shade around The laurel, and the darker bay, the oak, All sacred as the crowns of fame: the first Bound round the Poet's tuneful lyre; the next Around the Warrior's helm, mixed with the pine And with the waving poplar. In the midst, As in a favourite haunt, were flowers entwined; And there the sleeper lay: one pearl white hand— The violets rose to kiss its azure veins, Coloured with their own purity,—beneath One cheek was as a pillow, and that one Was flushed with crimson, while the other wore A tint less warm, but not less beautiful— Two shades of blushing on the self-same rose; And through the tremulous shadow of the leaves Came two or three bright kisses from the sun, Wandering in light o'er her white brow; a shower Of rose leaves lay amid the raven curls Of her long hair and on her neck. That morn