Page:The Poetical Works of William Motherwell, 1849.djvu/366



life on journeying, by its thorny paths, Or pleasant ways—its rank green hemlock wastes. Or roseate bowers—in utter loneliness, Or 'mid the din of busy multitudes— Two babes of beauty linger near us still— Twin Cherubim—that leave us not until We've passed the threshold of that crowded inn Which borders on Eternity! One doth point. With gleaming eye and finger tremulous, To clefts in azure, where the sunbeams slumber On couch of vermeil dye and amethyst, Bordered with flowers that never know decay; Where bring fountains, cool and argentine, Trill on in measured cadence, night and morn: The other, with an eye of sweet regard, And voice the spirit of pure melody, Sheds o'er the darkest track some ray of gladness— To elevate the heart, and nerve the soul, With unslacked sinews, vigorously to brave The perils of the unattempted road: Love, gentle Love—one fellow-pilgrim is— The other Hope—dear, never-dying Hope!— And they to churle, as well as keysour yield The tender ministering of faithful friends!