MADANA.
105
Tremble not! the archer's smile
Plays but carelessly the while
Summer lightning o'er the sky
Flashing, flick' ring restlessly;
Sporting with the passing hours,
He hath winged their flight with flowers;
Gentle witchery and brief,
He hath breathed o'er bud and leaf;
That hath lent to glance and tone
Light and sweetness not their own;
And as these shall fade away,
Will the pleasant charm decay,
Droop, and leave no trace behind
Where its clasping tendrils twined,
Fading, fleeting, like the sigh
Of some wandering melody;
Like a blissful dream that flings
Light upon the coming day,
Like a bird whose gorgeous wings
Glitter as it flits away;
So they vanish! yet the heart
Ere its gentle guests depart
Links a thought for after hours,—
Summer! to thy songs and flowers!
Plays but carelessly the while
Summer lightning o'er the sky
Flashing, flick' ring restlessly;
Sporting with the passing hours,
He hath winged their flight with flowers;
Gentle witchery and brief,
He hath breathed o'er bud and leaf;
That hath lent to glance and tone
Light and sweetness not their own;
And as these shall fade away,
Will the pleasant charm decay,
Droop, and leave no trace behind
Where its clasping tendrils twined,
Fading, fleeting, like the sigh
Of some wandering melody;
Like a blissful dream that flings
Light upon the coming day,
Like a bird whose gorgeous wings
Glitter as it flits away;
So they vanish! yet the heart
Ere its gentle guests depart
Links a thought for after hours,—
Summer! to thy songs and flowers!
Yet beware the hidden power,
Madana hath yet his hour:
These were but the chords that thrill
Lightly to a master's will,—
Madana hath yet his hour:
These were but the chords that thrill
Lightly to a master's will,—
