Page:The Vespers of Palermo.pdf/116



These wounds may yet be closed. (She attempts to bind his wounds.) Look on me, love! Why, there is more than life in thy glad mien, 'T is full of hope! and from thy kindled eye Breaks e'en unwonted light, whose ardent ray Seems born to be immortal!

'T is e'en so! The parting soul doth gather all her fires Around her; all her glorious hopes, and dreams, And burning aspirations, to illume The shadowy dimness of th' untrodden path Which lies before her; and, encircled thus, Awhile she sits in dying eyes, and thence Sends forth her bright farewell. Thy gentle cares Are vain, and yet I bless them.

Say, not vain; The dying look not thus. We shall not part!

I have seen death ere now, and known him wear Full many a changeful aspect.

Oh! but none Radiant as thine, my warrior!—Thou wilt live! Look round thee!—all is sunshine—is not this A smiling world?

Ay, gentlest love, a world Of joyous beauty and magnificence, Almost too fair to leave!—Yet must we tame Our ardent hearts to this!—Oh, weep thou not!