XI. JOYS OF INTELLECTUAL EMPLOYMENT. 'Tis true I'm poor in what the world calls bliss ; 'Tis true I have known many wounds of pride, With which a weaker nature would have died. "Tis true I've passed Charybdis in distress, Yet mid the maelstrom thrilled with happiness. We should not murmur 'gainst an earthly trial— It throws a stronger sunlight on life's dial, Awakes the spirit in its chrysalis, 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, The many failings I have known of truth, And still hath faith in truth, and love, and happiness. XIII. TO POESY. I. THE earth, the sea, the air, are full of thee- The Angels thy entrancing spells obey, Thou art the holiest gift of Deity- The High-Priest of the heart, that soothing e'er O'er its dark waters breath'st serenity, And giv'st a voice to all its sacred feeling. Thou dwellest with the humble, sad, and lone, And broken-hearted, when love, hope have flown, 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? XV. THE POET. YE airy habitants of Fashion's mart! Quicken your breasts; nor heard Humanity's Though soiled his garb, and wanting many a stitch— |