Of those beloved fields she oft PART IV. THE ever-changing Moon had traced. A shout thrice sent from one who chased The fainting creature took the marsh, While plovers screamed with tumult harsh Above his antlered head; This Ina saw; and, pale with fear, Shrunk to her citadel; The desperate deer rushed on, and near The tangled covert fell. Across the marsh, the game in view, The Hunter followed fast, Nor paused, till o'er the stag he blew Then, resting on her upright mind, "In me Came forth the Maid Behold," she said, "a stricken Hind Pursued by destiny! "From your deportment, Sir! I deem "Tears might be shed, and I might pray, Crouching and terrified, That what has been unveiled to-day, You would in mystery hide; But I will not defile with dust The knee that bends to adore The God in heaven;-attend, be just; "I speak not of the winter's cold, Nor yet of trouble and alarms; High Heaven is my defence; "From Moscow to the Wilderness And happy were I, if the Czar To end life here like this poor deer, "Are you the Maid," the Stranger cried, But wonder, pity, soon were quelled; The soul's pure brightness he beheld He loved, he hoped-a holy flame "Such bounty is no gift of chance," Preparing your deliverance, To me the charge hath given. The Czar full oft in words and deeds But, when the Lady Catherine pleads, "Leave open to my wish the course, And I to her will go; From that humane and heavenly source, Good, only good, can flow." Faint sanction given, the Cavalier Was eager to depart, Though question followed question, dear Light was his step,-his hopes, more light, And the fifth morning gave him sight He sued-heart-smitten by the wrong, The Emperor sent a pledge as strong O more than mighty change! If e'er And joy's excess produced a fear Of something void and vain; 'Twas when the Parents, who had mourned So long the lost as dead, Beheld their only Child returned, The household floor to tread. Soon gratitude gave way to love In bridal garments drest; Meek Catherine had her own reward; The Czar bestowed a 'dower; And universal Moscow shared The triumph of that hour. Flowers strewed the ground; the nuptial feast Was held with costly state; And there, 'mid many a noble guest, The Foster-parents sate; Encouraged by the imperial eye, SONNET. FROM THE ITALIAN OF MICHAEL ANGELO. YES! hope may with my strong desire keep pace, And I be undeluded, unbetrayed; For if of our affections none find grace In sight of Heaven, then, wherefore hath God made As hallows and makes pure all gentle hearts. GLAD sight wherever new with old Is joined through some dear homebörn tie; The life of all that we behold Depends upon that mystery. Vain is the glory of the sky, We gaze, we also learn to love. |