PRELUDE.

66

Learn, that henceforth thy song shall be,

Not mountains capped with snow,

Nor forests sounding like the sea,

Nor rivers flowing ceaselessly,
Where the woodlands bend to see
The bending heavens below.

"There is a forest where the din

Of iron branches sounds!
A mighty river roars between,
And whosoever looks therein,

Sees the heavens all black with sin,-
Sees not its depths, nor bounds.

"Athwart the swinging branches cast,
Soft rays of sunshine pour;

Then comes the fearful wintry blast;
Our hopes, like withered leaves, fall fast;

Pallid lips say, 'It is past!

We can return no more!'

"Look, then, into thine heart, and write!

Yes, into Life's deep stream!

All forms of sorrow and delight,
All solemn Voices of the Night,
That can soothe thee, or affright,—
Be these henceforth thy theme."

VOICES OF THE NIGHT.

Πότνια, πότνια νύξ,

ὑπνοδότειρα τῶν πολυπόνων βροτῶν, Ἐρεβόθεν ἴθι· μόλε μόλε κατάπτερος ̓Αγαμεμνόνιον ἐπὶ δόμον

ὑπὸ γὰρ ἀλγέων, ὑπό τε συμφορᾶς διοιχόμεθ', οἰχόμεθα.

EURIPIDES.

I HEARD the trailing garments of the Night Sweep through her marble halls!

I saw her sable skirts all fringed with light From the celestial walls!