Page:The Poets and Poetry of the West.djvu/283

 1840-50.] HARVEY RICE. 267 He walks with God the stellar deep, And gave it grace and thought, Where tides of light unbounded sweep. A.nd faith that's calm ; When man the vision caught And wonders why were made In his strong arm. The earth and stars, And claimed it — as he ought ! Whose music rolls, unstayed, In golden bars ; And blessed his happy lot. Nor strives to quench the subtle fire Which now made earth That wakes his soul to high desire. An Eden — every spot — Though all that man calls great, Since Beauty's birth ; Whose smile still cheers his cot. Should he attain, His home and hearth, It would not — could not sate An angel — is she not ? His burning brain ; o For he would reach the source of light. And share, enthroned, the Almighty's might ! Thus lost in thought that's free, A CONCEIT. And manifold. Old Father Time, with nod sublime, He ever drifts at sea — And hammer in his hand, Starless, and bold ; Proclaims aloud, as from a cloud, Yet cannot break the imperial seal The sale of sea and land. Of fate, nor life's dark myth reveal ! With hammer in his hand ! Ask not for grace, but take your place, And hear him cry the sale ; He speaks in tones that shatter thrones, THE BIRTH OF BEAUTY. Nor lists to those who wail ; By Nature's hand, though all Ah, hear him cry the sale ! Was made complete ; Before him lies full many a prize, Still, in her Palace Hall, In rich array displayed ; No twinkling feet, Yes, all that's dear to mortals here, Or graceful form that's tall, Of life, its light, and shade. Or smile that's sweet, In rich array displayed. Had yet obeyed her call ! — He breaks life's spell, nor grieves to sell And so she racked her brain, Fond hopes to which we cling ; And culled sweet flowers ; Honor and fame, and wealth and name, Tall lilies from the plain, Vain things — what will they bring ? And from the bowers Fond hopes to which we cling ! Roses, and from the main Cosmetic powers ; He spareth naught, not e'en a thought, From birds, their sweetest strain. Though beautiful and true ; But strikes down all, then flings a pall. Combining these, she wrought And screens the world from view, A perfect charm ; The beautiful and true ! —