SUNSET UPON “THE STEINE-KILL.”
———
BY KATE DASHWOOD.
———
[The Steine-Kill is one of the sparkling tributaries of our American Rhine, the Hudson, and signifies “Stony River.”]
Our own bright “Steine-Kill!” once more, once more!
Thy wavelets steal the glowing hues of Heaven,
And now with stranger glory than before,
The gold-encrimsoned clouds melts into even.
One soft-veiled rose-cloud floateth slowly on,
Mirrored in thy calm bosom; rainbow-dyes
All radiant, vie with glowing hues like morn;
While far amid the deep’ning west, arise
Strange giant-forms, that seem to guard the skies.
Ay, giant-clouds!—from out the vestibule
Of Heaven’s vast, dark’ning dome, what mighty train
Comes forth!—a cavalcade of kings—whose sceptered rule,
The whole broad realm of Heaven! Lo, again
Their host they marshal—where the God of Day
Sinks, like a wearied conqueror, to his rest,
They have usurped his throne; with proud array
Of gold and purple canopy o’er thy breast—
A gorgeous couch!—rest captive conqueror!
The orient guards thy bright triumphal car.
But, lo, another scene—a battle-plain—
The deep-toned roar of Heaven’s artillery!
’Mid iron hail and lightning-flash, again
The shattered hosts rush fiercely to the fray!
’Mid foaming steed, and flashing shield and spear,
And waving oriflame, those warrior-clouds
Surge onward like the sea!—a mighty bier
Yawns to receive them—for the darkness shrouds
Them, as a tomb, and solemn twilight’s reign
Broodeth o’er Heaven’s ensanguined battle-plain.
Thus, change the scenes of thy great drama, Life!
Love, Hate, Pride—the fever-dreams
Of restless energies, warring with the strife
Of bigot Ignorance; while brightly gleams
The radiant light of Hope! Ah! are not all
These passions mirrored from our hearts, in those
We love and influence?—ever may their thrall
Be like the secret fount the lap-wing knows,[[3]]
E’er pure, and calm, and holy—as thy breast—
Oh, Steine-Kill! whereon the twilight rests.
| [3] | It is known that the “hud-hud,” or lap-wing, possesses the instinct to discover subterranean springs. |