XXIX. ON A SIMILAR OCCASION. THE thunder rolled majestically on The lightning flashed-the sky was one dark shroud Sad as the death-bell's deep and muffled tone; * The Moor's vast brow was hidden by a cloud,— The mighty Giant looked no longer proud, But terror-stricken, on his bed of stone. The scene was solemn, and recalled the clime I viewed the tempest brooding in the sky, *The Rock named "the Moor's Head." See the poem on this Rock, p. 51. XXX. ON THE OLD AND NEW YEAR. "Lo! its folds far waving on the wind, COLERIDGE. 66 TIME rolls his ceaseless course.' » Year after year Succeeds each other in perpetual round, Till Time himself shall never more be found, Eternity, with an Ithuriel spear, Touches the clouds wherewith the earth is bound; And Death, and Time, and Sorrow's aching wound In the bright burst of glory disappear. Another year is waning in our sight,— As the Moon's crescent clasping her dark orb "Tis gone! But mark the heavens awhile, and soon The New Year's Chariot is the crescent Moon. XXXI. THE SAME. BEHOLD the New Year! In a robe of Snow No happiness upon its chilly wings, For passing time unfolds new realms of woe. XXXII. WRITTEN IN FRANCE. I LOVE an open spirit, brave and free- —a face that gleams with light, Reflecting happy thoughts and fancies bright, As sunbeams playing o'er a calm clear sea. Such is the soul that I would wish to be Linked with my own; with such would I unite; And straight as the red lightning's fiery path, A spirit of another world,-who hath But scorneth not the lowliness of faith. XXXIII. FROM THE PROVENÇAL 16. WHEN in the mirror of plain common sense And this world's ranks are floating robes of air. |