Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1826.pdf/21

19 Literary Gazette, 29th April, 1826, Pages 266-267

moon is on the silent lake I loved so much of yore— And, as in other days, I stand Beside its willowed shore.

It is not changed:—the quiet wave Glides in its beauty on; And not a bud, and not a leaf. Seems from the green tree gone.

Like fairy barks those lilies spread Their white wings to the air; Those flowers, so lovely and so frail, Still are they floating there.

It cannot be that years have past Since last I saw the place— For years bring change, and here is not Of any change a trace.

I'll fling me down on yon green bank, And dream my dreams of old— Drink Hope's Pactolus-draughts again From starry waves of gold.

O no! O no! my heart's awake— I cannot sleep again; I know Hope's golden sands are dross— I know Life's dreams are vain.

I would there were some sign of change Upon the scene around: 'Tis sad to think in mine own heart Alone that change is found.

Like birds and winds that pass away, Our hopes and joys depart; And Nature has no desert place Like the lorn human heart.

For there are thousand flowers that rise Fair from their winter tomb; But Hopes are annuals that know No second spring of bloom. L. E. L.