то AN INFANT. Sleep on! sleep on! but oh, my soul, Boy!-boy! awake!—that struggling cry The long, sunk, heavy gasp and groan! 'Tis past! farewell! I little thought 51 AN AIR-CHATEAU. BY NEHEMIAH CLEAVELAND. How beauteous in the glowing west, On the broad sea of light they rest, Methinks it were a bliss to roam Where those far fields in beauty lie; Methinks there were a welcome home, In the soft clime of yonder sky. On some bright, sunny cloud, I'd build My palace, in the verge of heaven; On marble fix it firm, and gild It's cornices with gold of even. AN AIR CHATEAU. 53 From amethystine beds I'd draw My blocks to shape its swelling dome; Here should you trace the old Doric law, There the Corinthian grace of Rome. In avenues of enchanting sweep, Broad oaks and towering elms should stand; Blue lakes in placid stillness sleep, And currents roll o'er silver sand. Perchance, to animate the scene, Should wear no trace of earthly mould Crowning each hope, might cheer my eyes And to my sky-hung Paradise, Its last and loveliest charm impart. The day, with her, more calm, more bright, With her, the dark and drowsy night Seem soft and cheerful as the day. Pensive we'd rove where scarce a ray Through flowery lawn and emerald glade. The joys of high, soul-kindling thought; Sweet converse at the twilight hour; The pleasures of a life, untaught To pant for wealth or sigh for power ; The calm delights of lettered ease; Who finds his bliss in such as these, Of joy, on earth, or in the skies,- And flowers of Eden fringe it round. MENTAL BEAUTY. BY RICHARD H. VOSE. I love the hour when day is spent, And stars are in the firmament:— Sweet hour of night, thy shadows roll, A heavenly calmness o'er the soul. I love to gaze upon the deep, When furious storms are lulled to rest; How calmly sweet those billows sleep, And mildly smile on ocean's breast. Oh! who can gaze upon the ocean, And see the moonbeams sparkle there, Nor feel the flame of pure devotion, Nor offer up one fervent prayer. |