As I gaz'd on them: And yet it cheers
My spirit, when the phantom fears
Of the far future darkly rise,
Like storms in autumn's mellow skies,
And memories of sorrow roll,
Like mountain mists, upon my soul.
I lov'd them all: each one had power
To chase the shades of my dark hour:
Each one was dear: but yet, than all
That sate within Night's regal hall,—
As round some Sultan's haram throne
Sit the bright dames,—more sweetly shone,
To me, my own lov'd Pleiades;
When glancing through the old elm trees,
That proudly rear'd their leafy dome
Around my boyhood's peaceful home,
As the eyes of gentle sisters, they
Sent down their mild and tranquil ray.
When years had roll'd and on their wings
Were borne away life's blossomings,
Their gentle smile, serene and calm,
Came o'er my heart, a healing balm.
For it brought in all the glow of truth
xix
