Page:Poetical Remains.pdf/163

Rh

Which made the sun-light of his lowly board Is touched by sickness; some familiar face Greets him no more; and shall not fate and time Have done their work since last we parted hence Upon an empire? Aye, within those years, Hearts from their ancient worship have fallen off And bowed before new stars: high names have sunk From their supremacy of place, and others Gone forth, and made themselves the mighty sounds At which thrones tremble. Oh! be slow to trust E'en those to whom your smiles were wont to seem As light is unto flowers. Search well the depths Of bosoms in whose keeping you would shrine The secret of your state. Storms pass not by Leaving earth's face unchanged.

Sebast.Whence didst thou learn The cold distrust which casts so deep a shadow O'er a most noble nature?

Gonzal.Life hath been My stern and only teacher. I have known