Chapter 4

PERFECT RAINBOW. (LOVER SPEAKS.)

Above this field that shines an Eden, lo! That wondrous arch of many married hues: A gorgeous belt, round Nature's lovely waist! Sure, earth now seems no place of graves. A wide Gay, blooming Paradise! With moistened face, She smiles, like God, upon this joyous world. A new, wild burst of various harmony, Salutes that Bow of charm--that orb of Glory. Thou art the sun and rainbow to my heart, And, as they fade from sight--but do not die-- But come to-morrow with their wonted charms, Thou shalt not die--but gleam o'er me in heaven, With none of all thy beauty, lost or less. Can'st thou not sing a song, love, ere it fades?

SHE SINGS.

The Sun gave birth to yonder bow That trembles in the sky That life-bestowing sun art thou-- That trembling bow am I. When he withdraws his beaming face, The rainbow disappears; And, if those frown on me but once, I melt away in tears.

I thank thee for that song. Oh! thou art, sure, The wealthiest empire ruled by mortal man. Thy thoughts fall down on me, like drops of gold.