When I see some dark hill point its crest to the For the present, we part-I will hope not for ever, sky, I think of the rocks that o'ershadow Colbleen; • When I see the soft blue of a love-speaking eye, I think on those eyes that endear'd the rude scene: When, haply, some light-waving locks I behold, That faintly resemble my Mary's in hue, I think of the long-flowing ringlets of gold, The locks that were sacred to beauty and you. Yet the day may arrive when the mountains once more Shall rise to my sight in their mantles of snow: But while these soar above me unchanged as before, Will Mary be there to receive me? ah, no! Adieu, then, ye hills, where my childhood was bred! Thou sweet flowing Dee, to thy waters adieu ! No home in the forest shall shelter my head, Ah! Mary, what home could be mine but with you? ΤΟ OH! yes, I will own we were dear to each other; The friendships of childhood, though fleeting, are true; The love which you felt was the love of a brother, Nor less the affection I cherish'd for you. But friendship can vary her gentle dominion, The attachment of years in a moment expires; Like love, too, she moves on a swift-waving pinion, But glows not, like love, with unquenchable fires. Full oft have we wander'd through Ida together, And blest were the scenes of our youth, I allow; In the spring of our life, how serene is the weather, But winter's rude tempests are gathering now. No more with affection shall memory blending However, dear S-, for i still must esteem you— • Colbleen is a mountain near the verge of the Highlands, not far from The ruins of Dee Castle. ⚫ 'This poem was first published in the Hours of Idleness. For time and regret will restore you at last; To forget our dissension we both should endeavor, I ask no atonement but days like the past. Sweet lady! why thus doth a tear steal its way Down a cheek which outrivals thy bosom in hue? Yet why do I ask ?-to distraction a prey, Thy reason has perish'd with love's last adieu! Oh! who is yon misanthrope, shunning mankind? Now hate rules a heart which in love's easy chains How he envies the wretch with a soul wrapt in steel! Youth flies, life decays, even hope is o'ercast; No more with love's former devotion we sue : He spreads his young wing, he retires with the blast! The shroud of affection is love's last adieu! In this life of probation for rapture divine, Astrea declares that some penance is due; From him who has worshipp'd at love's gentle shrine The atonement is ample in love's last adieu ! Who kneels to the god on his altar of light, Must myrtle and cypress alteruately strew: His myrtle, an emblem of purest delight; His cypress, the garland of love's last adieu ! DAMÆTAS. IN law an infant,† and in years a boy, From every sense of shame and virtue wean'd; In lies an adept, in deceit a fiend; Old in the world, though scarcely broke from school; 'Tis not love disturbs thy rest, Brings prudence back in proper season. I think, is neither here, nor there) Is, that such lips, of locks endearing, Were form'd for better things than sneering: To those who think remonstrance teasing, TO MARION. MARION! why that pensive brow? What disgust to life hast thou? Change that discontented air: Frowns become not one so fair. • The Goddess of Justice. OSCAR OF ALVA.* A TALE.+ How sweetly shines, through azure skies, The lamp of heaven on Lora's shore; Where Alva's hoary turrets rise, And hear the din of arms no more. • This poem was published for the first time in Hours of Idleness, ↑ The catastrophe of this tale was suggested by the story of "Jeronyma I law every person is an infant who has not attained the age of twenty- and Lorenzo," in the first volume of the "Armenian, or Ghost-Seer." also hears some resemblance to a scene in the third act of "Macheth." Slow roll'd the moons, but blest at last, Again the clan, in festive crowd, But who is he, whose darken'd brow Glooms in the midst of general mirth? Before his eye's far fiercer glow The blue flames curdle o'er the hearth. Dark is the robe which wraps his form, "Tis noon of night, the pledge goes round, The bridegroom's health is deeply quaff'd; With shouts the vaulted roofs resound, And all combine to hail the draught. Sudden the stranger-chief arose, And all the clamorous crowd are hush'd And Angus' cheek with wonder glows, And Mora's tender bosom blush'd "Old man!" he cried, "this pledge is done Thou saw'st 'twas duly drank by me; It hail'd the nuptials of thy son: "While all around is mirth and joy, The big tear starting as he spoke, "When Oscar left my hall, or died, This aged heart was almost broke. " "Thrice has the earth revolved her course Since Oscar's form has bless'd my sight; And Allan is my last resource, Since martial Oscar's death or flight." "Tis well," replied the stranger stern, And fiercely flash'd his rolling eye; "Thy Oscar's fate I fain would learn; Perhaps the hero did not die. "Perchance, if those whom he most loved, "Fill high the bowl the table round, We will not claim the pledge by stealth; • Beltane Tree, a Highland festival ɔn the first of May, held newz Året lighted for the occasion. |