But thy soul or this world must fade in the frost that binds the dead, Ere midnight's frown and morning's smile, ere thou and peace may meet. The cloud shadows of midnight possess their own repose, For the weary winds are silent, or the moon is in the deep; Some respite to its turbulence unresting ocean knows ; Whatever moves, or toils, or grieves, hath its appointed sleep. Thou in the grave shalt rest—yet till the phantoms flee Which that house and heath and garden made dear to thee erewhile, Thy remembrance, and repentance, and deep musings are not free From the music of two voices and the light of one sweet smile. CLXXI. STANZAS. WRITTEN IN DEJECTION, NEAR NAPLES. HE sun is warm, the sky is clear, THE The waves are dancing fast and bright, Blue isles and snowy mountains wear The breath of the moist earth is light, The winds, the birds, the ocean floods, I see the deep's untrampled floor With green and purple sea-weeds strown; Like light dissolved in star-showers, thrown: I sit upon the sands alone, The lightning of the noon-tide ocean Is flashing round me, and a tone Arises from its measured motion, How sweet! did any heart now share in my emotion. Alas! I have nor hope nor health, The sage And walked with inward glory crowned Nor fame, nor power, nor love, nor leisure. Smiling they live and call life pleasure ;— To me that cup has been dealt in another measure. Yet now despair itself is mild, Even as the winds and waters are ; I could lie down like a tired child, My cheek grow cold, and hear the sea Some might lament that I were cold, They might lament-for I am one Whom men love not-and yet regret, Unlike this day, which, when the sun Will linger, though enjoyed, like joy in memory yet. CLXXII. M' SONG. TO THE MEN OF ENGLAND. EN of England, wherefore plough For the lords who lay ye low? Wherefore feed, and clothe, and save, Those ungrateful drones who would blood? Wherefore, bees of England, forge Have ye leisure, comfort, calm, The seed ye sow, another reaps; Sow seed, but let no tyrant reap; Shrink to your cellars, holes, and cells; Why shake the chains ye wrought? Ye see The steel ye tempered glance on ye. With plough and spade, and hoe and loom, Trace your grave, and build your tomb, And weave your winding-sheet, till fair England be your sepulchre. CLXXIII. Ο ΤΟ NE word is too often profaned One feeling too falsely disdained For thee to disdain it. One hope is too like despair For prudence to smother, I can give not what men call love, The worship the heart lifts above |