Weary at last, she stopped beside a stream, Midst wintry storms, and blasts, and slow decay. Like a rich veil. Her sad thoughts wandered back She would return !—perhaps there still might be Her wrongs, her sufferings yet perchance might melt Her father's heart,-wake kindness he had felt Ere from the path of duty she had strayed, It was the full moon's time and soft starlight, Had moved in youthful bloom and beauty's pride. On her wild-beating heart her small hand laid, And gasped for breath.-There gleamed but one faint light Through that old castle's gorgeous curtains bright. She raised her eyes, and prayed for strength to bear Her shame, and bring her trembling footsteps near ;— She reached the door-there sat her hoary sire, And her fair sister singing to the lyre Whose chords beneath her touch so oft had thrilled,- With softest melody that hall had filled. The song was one that she had often sung For him in happier days-the sad words rung And leaned against a post for strength to greet He raised her in his arms, Gazed on her face bereft of former charms, And recognized his child! Back drooped her head He kissed the parted lips-but she was dead. LAONE. THE STUDENT'S STORY. I. WHERE a green valley winds its blooming way, The tuneful birds of day and closing eve Have sought their balmy rest-the flocks are penned The stars look from their silvery thrones on high, The full moon smiles upon the lonely graves, Placid as youthful mother watching o'er The silent couches of her slumbering babes. O'er some the mournful willow folds its arms, And roses drench their cheeks with dewy tears; Tombless, unepitaphed, neglected lie. Along the outer walks dark poplars stand- And where their shadows fall along the ground And thrifty grass, rises the little church. II. Within this spot are gathered to their homes At learning's fount. Here babes and tender mothers, How far! No greetings kind they interchange, No social converse with each other hold; No fierce disputes, nor tears, nor sighs, nor moans, But each in his pale drapery slumbereth on Save one, who holds a new and humble grave. |