Page:The Bengali Book of English Verse.djvu/116

84  Unknown, yet well-known to the eye of faith! Ah, I have heard that wail far, far away In distant lands, by many a sheltered bay, When slumbered in his cave the water-wraith, And the waves gently kissed the classic shore Of France or Italy, beneath the moon, When earth lay tranced in a dreamless swoon: And every time the music rose, before Mine inner vision rose a form sublime, Thy form, O Tree, as in my happy prime I saw thee, in my own loved native clime.

Therefore I fain would consecrate a lay Unto thy honour, Tree, beloved of those Who now in blessed sleep, for aye, repose, Dearer than life to me, alas! were they! Mayst thou be numbered when my days are done With deathless trees—like those in Borrowdale, Under whose awful branches lingered pale "Fear, trembling Hope, and Death the skeleton, And Time the shadow;" and though weak the verse That would thy beauty fain, oh fain rehearse, May Love defend thee from Oblivion's curse!

 

Still barred thy doors!—The far east glows, The morning wind blows fresh and free, Should not the hour that wakes the rose Awaken also thee? 