To * * * * *

We stood together in that tranquil scene
Of moon-light loveliness;-its silent spell
Stole o'er the spirit with a soft'ning pow'r,
Which might have hush'd the wildest heart to peace.
Beneath us far the sleeping waters lay,
In beautiful repose: their silv'ry gleam
Form'd a sweet contrast with the deep, dark, mass
Of shade upon their shores. The murm'ring sound
Of far-off voices came upon the breeze;
And the clear music of the vesper-chimes,
--Like a sweet hymn of farewell to the day,--
Stole on the ear, awakening memories,
Which only start to life in such an hour.

There were young Roses blushing in the light
Of the pale moon-rays, and their fragrant breath
Floated around us, shedding on the air
All its most fresh, and rich deliciousness.
Long years have fleeted by !--again the hush
Of Ev'ning, is upon the wave, and hill ;--
Again, a glitt'ring track of liquid light
Brightens the gliding river; and the earth
Is garlanded with summer flow'rs, as when
I last beheld the spot:--all nature bears
The aspect which it wore in that same hour,
When, with delighted gaze, I ling'ring dwelt
Upon its quiet beauty. Time hath left
No traces of his touch on aught save me;
But o'er my breast, and brow, his passing wing
Hath swept with chilling, and destructive power,
Since that remember'd moment. I am chang'd
As the green foliage, when the autumn winds
Have sear'd its hue, and wither'd up its life.
Oh! ages of the heart, which fade the frame,

And blight the mind of man, pass lightly o'er
The bosom of the universe, which still,
In undecay'd magnificence, and grace,
With its calm grandeur, seems to mock the proud
And restless race, who deem the world was fram'd
But for their petty sovereignty--and yet,
Are in themselves more frail than human hope,
The reed to which they cling.