XXVIII.

Yet many a sad reality is there,

That Fancy’s bright illusions cannot veil.

Pure laughs the light, and balmy breathes the air,

But Slavery’s mien will tell its bitter tale;

And there, not Peace, but Desolation, throws

Delusive quiet o’er full many a scene—

Deep as the brooding torpor of repose

That follows where the earthquake’s track hath been;

Or solemn calm on Ocean’s breast that lies,

When sinks the storm, and death has hush’d the seamen’s cries.