Around this ancient festal board Glad spirits met of yore, But their merry strains are hushed in death- May their quiet graves be found, Then fill, fill high, with good old wine, IF THAT BRIGHT FAITH. BY ALFRED B. STREET. Ir that bright faith, whose holy beam Returning reason sweeps away- Brow-furrowing care, heart-breaking grief, In the hushed grave our sorrows cast, But if that faith which heavenward glows "Twill soon from every pang be free; Though chained by 'mortal' here, on high "Twill dwell in 'immortality.' MINSTREL, SING THAT SONG AGAIN. BY C. W. EVEREST. MINSTREL, Sing that song again, Plaintive in its solemn flow; Loved and cherished long ago: Lo! the past, the mystic past, Rises through the vista dimJust as twilight's shades are cast At the day's departing hymn! Minstrel, 'twas an eve like this: Floating in its fragrance by; As the witching cadence fell Wild within our bower of love, Angel bands might prove the spell, Bending from the courts above! Minstrel, chant once more the air, Soft as spring's departing breath: She who sang its numbers there Slumbers as the bride of Death! Minstrel, chide thou not my tears- THE WARRIOR'S DIRGE. BY CAROLINE M. SAWYER. WARRIOR, rest! thy toils are ended- Warrior, rest! thy banner o'er thee When thy sword should leave its sheath; Warrior, rest! a dirge is knelling Solemnly from shore to shore : "Tis a nation's tribute, telling That a patriot is no more! Thou where Freedom's sons have striven, Firm and bold, didst foremost stand! Freely was thy life-blood given For thy home and father-land! Warrior, rest! our star is vanished That to victory led the way; Warrior, rest! we smooth thy pillow Storms unheard will o'er the sweep! There, 'tis done!-thy couch awaits thee!Softly down thy head we lay; Here repose, till God translates thee From the dust to endless day! I'LL THINK OF THEE. BY J. N. M'JILTON. I'LL think of thee when morn is breaking, Richly o'er the sleeping sea; When my thoughts, from dreams awaking, Stir the depths of memory. |