Page:Troubadour.pdf/217

Rh

And in its hostel shelter found, While the dark night was closing round. It was a cheerful scene, the hearth Was bright with wood-fire and with mirth, And in the midst a harper bent O'er his companion instrument: 'Twas an old man, his hair was grey,— For winter tracks in snow its way,— But yet his dark, keen eye was bright, With somewhat of its youthful light; Like one whose path of life had made Its course through mingled sheen and shade, But one whose buoyant spirit still Pass'd lightly on through good or ill,— One reckless if borne o'er the sea In storm or in tranquillity;