Page:The Poets and Poetry of the West.djvu/654

 LEWIS JAMES BATES. L. James Bates, who was bom at Caatskill, New York, September twenty-second, 1832, but who has passed all his active life in the Mississippi Valley, is one of the most promising young poets of the West, who can set type as well as indite rhymes. Mr. Bates's poems have been published chiefly in the Grand River Eagle, Grand Rapids, Michigan, but he contributed to Putnam's Monthly, and writes for the Knick- erbocker^ New York. He is the author of several parodies, which exhibit a keen sense of what is humorous. Mr. Bates has been connected with the editorial depart- ment of the Grand River Eagle, and of the State Journal at Madison, Wisconsin. He now resides at Grand Rapids. THE BRIDAL. Fairer than the spotless white, At the nightly hour of noon. Of the blended northern light. And the gentle harvest-moon — Sweeter than some angel-dream, Such as infant-smiles express — Maiden of the poet's theme, Thou wert all that love could bless. In the morning of her hair. Rippling gold on banks of snow. Rose and fell, as waves of air In the dawning float and flow. In the sunshine of her eyes, Wheresoe'er her glances roam, Danced the dainty summer-flies. Deeming June at last had come. Than the beauty of her soul Seraph-joys were grosser even. Blending in delicious whole Half of earth and half of heaven. But one shadow dared abide In the glory of her home — Formed so for an angel-bride, Feared we lest the groom should come. One alone, with lover's eye, Watching at the early dawn, Saw the angel-presence nigh — Heard his footstep o'er the lawn. Ah, what torture racked his brain, As the footfall plainer gi'ew, For all human love was vain Where an angel deigned to woo. Robed in pure and spotless white. Smiled she as the day drew on, Waiting for the set of night, When her lord should claim his own. One by one the hours depart — One by one the footfalls grow Nearer to her drooping heart — Nearer to her breast of snow. When at last the eve had come, And the man of God was there. Came the groom to bear her home, With a blessing and a prayer. As the parting light of day Mingles with the shades of even. Melted thus our love away. Half to earth and half to heaven. ( 63S -)