[TO A LOCK OF HAIR.]
Thou'st played upon that cheek full oft,
Thou shining tress of golden hair!
And wreathed thy curl in dalliance soft
Around that neck so dazzling fair:
Whence hast thou caught that amber gleam,
Soft as a fading autumn-sky?
Part from the sun's enamoured beam,
Part from that full refulgent eye.
I fear thou'dst murmur, couldst thou speak,
And curse the fate that bade thee part
From thy bright home, a lady's cheek,
E'en to be pillow'd on my heart:
And I would give, thou wavy tress!
To thee earth's warmest, purest breast,
If thou in turn my lot wouldst bless,
And give to me thy place of rest.
Not Zephyr's breath could woo like me,
Nor sunbeams there so warmly play;
Nor wander o'er that cheek so free,
Those wanton curls in sportive play.
Δ.
[WILSON CONWORTH.]
NUMBER EIGHT.
Although I joined Collins in much of his dissipation, yet I persuaded myself that I had his good at heart; and thinking a change of scene might have a beneficial effect, I proposed a jaunt to the Falls of Niagara. It was the month of June; we were in possession of a handsome equipage, and plenty of money; we had all the means of making the journey pleasant.
C—— got wind of this project, and although we had not spoken for weeks, he came to my room the evening before our departure, and told me I was a ruined man, unless I gave up this journey. He explained to me the reasons of his coldness, and the reserve of others; it was to induce me to give up my association with Collins. He said all were interested for me, and besought me to listen to his advice; that some things had leaked out respecting Collins, which he was not at liberty to tell me. I knew I ought to hear him. I was convinced he was disinterested; but I remained fixed, for I intended to pass through N——, and was in hopes to see Alice once more; and this, after once getting into my heart, I could not get out. We departed upon our excursion of pleasure, which proved one of pain. With whom is hope more faithful?
Following the river, we soon emerged from the level meadow country, and began to ascend the hills of Vermont. The moon was at her full, and we rode mostly in the night-time. Collins could not bear the day, and I was willing to give in to his caprices, for the night gave a calmness and amiable tone to his feelings. His heart was open to the influences of nature, though he pretended to hate mankind.