Page:Sarah Sheppard - L. E. L.pdf/157

 emotions! how does the feeling of present loneliness, blending with the fond remembrances of absent friends, appeal to our dearest sympathies!—

The very stars are strangers as I catch them Athwart the shadowy sails that swell above; I cannot hope that other eyes will watch them At the same moment with a mutual love. They shine not there as here they now are shining, The very hours are changed—ah! do ye sleep? O'er each lone pillow midnight is declining;— May some kind dream at least my image keep! My friends, my absent friends! Do you think of me as I think of you?



Bearing upon its wings the hues of morning, Up springs the flying fish, like life's false joy, Which of the sunshine asks that frail adorning Whose very light is fated to destroy! Ah! so doth genius on its rainbow pinion, Spring from the depths of an unkindly world; So spring sweet fancies from the heart's dominion,— Too soon in death the scorched-up wing is furled. My friends, my absent friends! Whate'er I see is linked with thoughts of you.



Sunshine is ever cheerful, when the morning Wakens the world with cloud-dispelling eyes; The spirits mount to glad endeavour, scorning What toil upon a path so sunny lies. Sunshine and hope are comrades, and their weather Calls into life an energy like spring's; But memory and moonlight go together, Reflected by the light that either brings. My friends, my absent friends! Do you think of me then? I think of you."