Which might have borne strong eagle on his quest From realm to realm-was clipped and rounded now, As those which only just suffice to bear The whirring partridge on from brake to brake ; If swift, yet soon to fall. Or like the plumes On the sleek shoulders of the little Loves. They too, as many a maiden's tear attests, They too, who take short flights—and drop too soon. But lo! beside that figure of old Time Stood now another figure; which, whilom, Had not stood there; or which they saw not then, And bended brow, and introspective eye, Might well have marvelled what such form should mean. But of that gray-haired group, which clustered round, Not one there was but knew the name-and sighedWhen asking-it was answered them "Regret." 1849. ASPASIA. ΤΟ BRIGHT Aspasia! say-how is it? Smile of thine, whose briefest visit Zephyr shall we type thee, thawing Vernal flower from Arctic block? Or some Attic sun-beam, drawing Or believe thee sprite of ages? All the vaunted Seven of Greece. And their systems throwing over For the lessons of her eyes, Happy pupil! happier lover! Doubly won his name of "Wise." So come thou, delicious preacher ! Orator-of sparkling looks! Come, like Her, and be our teacher; Better far than all the books. Book-worm pedants but benight us; Cumbrous setting clouds the gem. Bring but thy bright smile to light us, And who'd go for fogs to them? HINT TO POETS. BROTHER Bard! if dream thou nourish, Thro' new fancy or new truth, 'Mid the sons of fame to flourish, Thou must lean on heart of youth. Youth is eager; youth-elastic; Age deems all, but old, fantastic; And doth "novel gauds" eschew. Youth, as yet of time unthrifty, To the charmer stops his ear. |