Corrupted all, nor its ethereal touch As some bright river, which has roll'd along But keeps awhile the pure and golden tinge, And here the old man ceased—a winged train 10 This fine Platonic image I have taken from a passage in Father Bouchet's letter upon the Metempsychosis, inserted in Picart's Cérém. Relig. Tom. IV. 11 According to Pythagoras, the people of Dreams are souls collected together in the Galaxy. Δημος δε ονειρων, κατα Πυθαγοραν, αι ψυχαι ὡς συναγέσθαι ás ProTV ELS TOV yarağav. Porphyr. de Antro Nymph. ΤΟ THE world had just begun to steal And life grew dark and love was gone! No eye to mingle sorrow's tear, No lip to mingle pleasure's breath, No tongue to call me kind and dear— 'Twas gloomy, and I wish'd for death! But when I saw that gentle eye, Oh! something seem'd to tell me then, That I was yet too young to die, And hope and bliss might bloom again! With every beamy smile, that crost Your kindling cheek, you lighted home Some feeling, which my heart had lost, And peace, which long had learn'd to roam! 'Twas then indeed so sweet to live, Hope look'd so new and love so kind, That, though I weep, I still forgive The ruin, which they've left behind! I could have lov'd you—oh so well!— Which only lives, while passion glows: But, when this early flush declines, Yes, yes, I could have lov'd, as one Who, while his youth's enchantments fall, Finds something dear to rest upon, Which pays him for the loss of all! DREAMS. ΤΟ IN slumber, I prithee how is it That souls are oft taking the air, And paying each other a visit, While bodies are- -Heaven knows where? Last night, 'tis in vain to deny it, For I heard her, on tiptoe so quiet, And mine let her in with delight, And they talk'd and they kist the time through, For, when souls come together at night, There is no knowing what they mayn't do! And your little Soul, Heaven bless her! "If I happen," said she, "but to steal “Just venture abroad on a sigh; “In an instant, she frightens me in "With some phantom of prudence or terror, "For fear I should stray into sin, 66 Or, what is still worse, into error! "So, instead of displaying my graces 66 Through look and through words and through mien, "I am shut up in corners and places, " Where truly I blush to be seen!" Upon hearing this piteous confession, He did not know much of the matter; |