When cares and crosses my tired spirits tried, 17
When to the dust my father I resigned;
Amidst the quiet shade unseen I sighed,
And, blest with thee, forgot a world unkind.
Ev'n now, while toiling through the sleepless night, 18
A tearful look to distant scenes I cast,
And the glad objects that once charmed my sight
Remember, like soft views of "faerie" past;
I see thee come half-smiling to my bed, 19
With Fortitude more awfully severe,
Whose arm sustaining holds my drooping head,
Who dries with her dark locks the tender tear.
O firmer Spirit! on some craggy height 20
Who, when the tempest sails aloft, dost stand,
And hear'st the ceaseless billows of the night
Rolling upon the solitary strand;
At this sad hour, when no harsh thoughts intrude 21
To mar the melancholy mind's repose,
When I am left to night and solitude,
And languid life seems verging to its close;
Oh, let me thy pervading influence feel; 22
Be every weak and wayward thought repressed;
And hide thou, as with plates of coldest steel,
The faded aspect and the throbbing breast!
Silent the motley pageant may retreat, 23
And vain mortality's brief scenes remove;
Yet let my bosom, whilst with life it beat,
Breathe a last prayer for all on earth I love.
Slow-creeping pain weighs down my heavy eye, 24
A chiller faintness steals upon my breast;
"O gentle Muse, with some sweet lullaby"
Rock me in long forgetfulness to rest!
[43] The fall of the river, heard from the Parade.
[44] The Æolian harp.