Page:Translations from Camoens; and Other Poets.pdf/47



HIS green recess, where through the bowery gloom Ne'er e'en at noontide hours the sunbeam played, Where violet-beds in soft luxuriance bloom, Midst the cool freshness of the myrtle-shade;

Where through the grass a sparkling fountain steals, Whose murmuring wave, transparent as it flows, No more its bed of yellow sand conceals, Than the pure crystal hides the glowing rose;

This bower of peace, thou soother of our care, God of soft slumbers, and of visions fair! A lowly shepherd consecrates to thee! Then breathe around some spell of deep repose, And charm his eyes in balmy dew to close, Those eyes, fatigued with grief, from tear-drops never free.