136 THE BIRD AT SEA. He died; but memory's wizard power, Oh, talk of spring to the trampled flower, Of glory to those who in danger's hour But ye mock the exile's heart when you tell Of aught but the home where it pines to dwell. THE BIRD AT SEA. Bird of the greenwood! Oh, why art thou here? Flowers bloom not near. All the sweet waters Far hence are at play, Away, away! THE BIRD AT SEA. Where the mast quivers Thy place will not be, As midst the waving Of wild rose and tree; How shouldst thou battle With storm and with spray? Bird of the greenwood! Away, away! Or art thou seeking Some brighter land, Where by the south wind Vine leaves are fanned? Midst the wild billows Why then delay ? Bird of the greenwood ! Away, away! "Chide not my lingering Where storms are dark; A hand that hath nursed me A heart that hath cherished Through winter's long daySo I turn from the greenwood, Away, away!" 137 138 LIFE AND DEATH. LIFE. What is Life? 'tis an elegant shell On time's banks and quicksands to dwell, Is the billow that brought it ashore- DEATH. What is Death? 'tis a delicate cloud And we view it with sorrowful eye; ANON. ["Where shall Wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? the depth saith it is not in me; and the sea saith it is not with me." Job xxviii. 12, 14.] Where shall wisdom's light be found? Circled by yon starry bound? Hidden by the rolling main, Buried 'neath the pathless plain, Tenanting the grove's recess, Or the desert wilderness; Heaven hath heard, but answers not, Earth reveals no chosen spot; Voiceless stands the crested hill, Rock and forest roof are still, Dwells it in the senseless crowd? Whence the sage's torch appears, Fame, a meteor ;-doubly cursed He whom dreams of wealth has nursed. And on learning's treasures bent, Shines the treasure ;-seek and find. L. F. H. |