PART I.

RETROSPECTION FROM THE HALTING-PLACE.

Let me pause, for I am weary, Weary of the trodden ways; And the landscape spreads more dreary Where it stretches from my gaze.

Many a prize I deem'd a blessing When I started for the goal, Midway in the course possessing Adds a burthen to the soul.

By the thorn that scantly shadeth From the sloped sun reclin'd, Let me look, before it fadeth On the eastern hill behind;--

On the hill that life ascended, While the dewy morn was young; While the mist with light contended And the early skylark sung.

Then, as when at first united, Rose together Love and Day; Nature with her sun was lighted, And my soul with Viola!

O my young earth's lost Immortal! Naiad vanish'd from the streams! Eve, torn from me at the portal Of my Paradise of Dreams!

On thy name, with lips that quiver, With a voice that chokes, I call.-- Well! the cave may hide the river, But the ocean merges all.

Yet, if but in self-deceiving, Can no magic charm thy shade? Come unto my human grieving, Come, but as the human maid!

By the fount where love was plighted Where the lone wave glass'd the skies; By the hands that once united; By the welcome of the eyes;

By the silence sweetly broken When the full heart murmur'd low, And with sighs the words were spoken Ere the later tears did flow;

By the blush and soft confession; By the wanderings side by side; By the love-denied possession; And the heavenlier, so denied;

By the faith yet undiverted; By the worship sacred yet; To the soul so long deserted, Come, as when of old we met;

Blooming as my youth beheld thee In the trysting-place of yore,-- Hark a footfall! I have spell'd thee, Lo, thy living smile once more!