Like a bright flame amid the waters dark, Watch'd with the hope and fear of maidens pale; And anxious mothers that upturn their brows, Freighting the gusty wind with frequent vows, CXX. For that the horrid deep has no sure track CXXI. And so day ended. But no vesper spark CXXII. And waved aloft her bright and ruddy torch, CXXIII. For that was love's own sign and beacon guide CXXIV. Whereas her tragic cheek is truly pale, That howls into her ear a horrid tale Of storm, and wreck, and uttermost despair, And those are dismal waves that sing his dirge." CXXV. And harka grieving voice, trembling and faint, Blends with the hollow sobbings of the sea; But shriller than Leander's voice should be, CXXVI. For now, upon each brief and breathless pause, CXXVII. “()h! dost thou live under the deep deep sea? I thought such love as thine could never die; If thou hast gain'd an immortality From the kind pitying sea-god, so will I; And this false cruel tide that used to sever Our hearts, shall be our common home for ever! CXXVIII. "There we will sit and sport upon one billow, CXXIX. One moment then, upon the dizzy verge CXXX. Then from the giddy steep she madly springs, To save her from her death.-The sea-maid wept, то J. H. REYNOLDS, ESQ. MY DEAR REYNOLDS, You will remember "Lycus."-It was written in the pleasant spring-time of our friendship, and I am glad to maintain that association, by connecting your name with the Poem. It will gratify me to find that you regard it with the old partiality for the writings of each other, which prevailed in those days. For my own sake, I must regret that your pen goes now into far other records than those which used to delight me. Your true Friend and Brother, T. HOOD. |