Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1825.pdf/16

15 Literary Gazette, 30th April, 1825, Page 284

ORIGINAL POETRY. REALITIES.

I made myself a little boat And launched it on the sea; And into the wide world went forth To see what there might be.

I had a power given me    To gaze on every heart, And from its secret joy or grief To bid the veil depart.

I entered first a stately hall; It shone with light and bloom, And the air was heavy with the breath Of music and perfume.

There saw I one, who on his head Wore a bright crown of gold, And his purple mantle swept the ground In many a broidered fold;

But he had a troubled glance, And his look was dark with care. And his thoughts wandered to and fro, And rest they found no where.

I stood next by a gay lady; Rich gems were in her hair; There was not one so proud as she, There was not one so fair:

But I perceived her spirit turned From the enchanted scene, With sad and mournful memory, To days which once had been;