Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/215

 190 SHAKSPEAKE.

And every pearl-drop, as it kissed the turf, Said, &quot; We have been his teachers. When we fell Pattering among the vine-leaves, he would list Our lessons as a student, nor despise Our simplest lore.&quot;

And then the bow burst forth, That strong love-token of the Deity Unto a drowning world. Each prismed ray Had held bright dalliance with the bard, and helped To tint the woof in which his thought was wrapped For its first cradle-sleep.

Next, twilight came In her gray robe, and told a tender tale Of his low musings, while she noiseless drew Her quiet curtain. And the queenly moon, Riding in state upon her silver car, Confessed she saw him oft, through chequering

shades,

Hour after hour, with Fancy by his side, Linking their young imaginings, like chains Of pearl and diamond.

Last, the lowly grave,

Shakspeare s own grave, sent forth a hollow tone, &quot; The heart within my casket read itself, And from that inward study learned to scan The hearts of other men. It pondered long In those lone cells, where nameless thought is born, Explored the roots of passion, and the founts Of sympathy, and at each sealed recess

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