The dawn breaks slowly o'er the distant main,
To come no more her ingrate hero flies;
While thoughts confiding speak
Upon her mantling cheek—
Illusion chains the sense—in lowest sighs
Whispering—we fear to see her wake to pain.
But whither wandering? whatsoe'er has gained
Long conning book and heart the white-haired sage;
Cause and remote effect
In living semblance dect,
The truths divine of many a moral page
Thy hand, harmonious Peale, hath at a glance explained.
STANZAS.
To meet a friendship such as mine
Such feelings must thy heart refine
As seldom mortal mind gives birth,
'Tis love, without a stain of earth,
Fratello del mio cor.
Tho' friendship be its earthly name
All pure, from highest heaven, it came
'Tis never felt for more than one,
And scorns to dwell with Venus' son
Fratello del mio cor.
Him let it view not, or it flies
Like tender hues of morning-skies,
Or morn's sweet flower, of purple glow.
When sunny beams too ardent grow
Fratello del mio cor.
It's food is looks, its nectar, sighs,
Its couch the lip, its throne the eyes
The soul its breath; and so possest,
Heaven's raptures reign in mortal breast.
Fratello del mio cor.
ON THE DEATH OF A LADY.
Thy home seemed not of earth—so blest—
But there has fall'n a shaft of fate—
The dove is stricken; and the nest
She warmed and cheered is desolate.
But fairest not for thee, we mourn:
Blest from thy birth, thou still art so—
The tear must dew thine early urn
For him whom thou hast taught to know