X. THE OASES THINK not that I am hapless, ye who read Is not to prove it hath nor herbs nor flowers. Of Fortune's ladder, that no oases Cheering the weary pilgrims as they go Not all the fires that Terra's breast consume, Can kill these emerald spots that mid my heart-waste bloom. XI. JOYS OF INTELLECTUAL EMPLOYMENT. JOYS 'Tis true I'm poor in what the world calls bliss ; And plumes it to the broad, bright heavens to soar. O God! if I could sing the bliss I've known, While sitting in this study-room alone, Listing the soul-waves wash the eternal shore ; If I could ring it out in one loud song, "Twould shake the throne of grief and banish wrong XII. HEART JOYS. THE disappointments that did drape my youth, All have not banished from my bosom hope, Nor drank the freshness of its youthful bloom- And still hath faith in truth, and love, and happiness. XIII. TO POESY. I. THE earth, the sea, the air, are full of thee— Thou art the holiest gift of Deity- The High-Priest of the heart, that soothing e'er Thou dwellest with the humble, sad, and lone, And broken-hearted, when love, hope have flown, Thou bidd'st the soul look heavenward from this clod— XIV. TO POESY. II. How could I live without thee! Unto whom, To breathe or thought, or wish, or hope, or sigh, And claim, in turn, a smile to light the gloom That hovers o'er my heart, as o'er a tomb! My spirit cheer with visions of to-morrow, But thou? Who dwell with me mid bud and bloon; If thou shouldst leave me―blest-inspiring Poesy ? |