Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 5.djvu/29

 THE VALE OF CASHMERE. 17

nature, and fond of letters. " He was an easy and pleasant writer, " says Mr. Dillaway. It is interesting to know that in addition to published worl<s, the titles to which are given, Mr. Dearborn left several books in manuscript, beau- tifully written, chief among which may be mentioned "The Life and Corre- spondence of Gen. H. Dearborn, in eleven volumes; a life of Col. William Raymond Lee, of the Revolution, in two volumes, and a Life of Commodore Bainbridge, in one volume."

��THE VALE OF CASHMERE.

��BY GEORGE BANCROFT GRIFFITH.

With its cincture of snows lies the wonderful plain Tiiat the i)al;unn I'oniicii vviien the dragons were shiin; 'Tis the Ilindoo's ilehglit; ami the poets endear By their songs of its Ijeiuity, the Vale of Cashmere.

Should you journey afar, and at close of the day lleach the delil<^ tiiat opens from Baranuila, .Such a vision of glorj' will hurst on your sight You will dream of it nightly with tlirills of delight.

As a nnrror of silver, and clear as the skies, ifoUs the blue ll3'daspe to lirst gladden your eyes, With its long line of poplars that rii)pl'^ in light, And o'er eacli a pure star, gleaming faintly and white!

While like jewels set round the Hydaspe's broad arm, Lakes, fringed with wikl lotus, grow mellow and cidm; And through archwa3's of cherr}^ all festooned with vines. Gleam the gardens of pleasure, cupolas and shrines.

Yes, verdant, and vivid, and fragrant with flowers That sparkle, refreshed by the softest of showers, In the warm blush of sunset the Vale of Cashmere From this gatewaj' above, will like Eden appear.

There, with carvings as dainty as delicate lace, Thick sown are the chalets, tlr^ picture of grace; And round them run [)atlis that the ripe fruits bestrew. While beyond the tall minarets spring into view.

Far away, yet distinct, rises Solomon's spur. Near the Venice of India, proud Serinagur; And now the sweet echoes tly Plagues o'er the plain, Bell-music that nunj^les with boatman's refrain.

��As the day when the king of the ancient Nagas Saw the waters recede through this lone narrow pass. As august and unstained by the fingers of time, Else the grand Himalayas, unsealed and sublime.

Yet, spite of its name, and though nestled among Such wonders as dazzle, and cannot be sung. Gaunt Famine has found it, and many a tear Has watered the sward iu the Vale of Cashmere.

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