XLIX. THE FOREGOING SUBJECT RESUMED. AMONG a grave fraternity of Monks, Assigned to it in future worlds. Thou, too, Pursued by thoughts that haunt me still; thou also— Though but a simple object, into light Called forth by those affections that endear The private hearth; though keeping thy sole seat For each and all of us, together joined Or sacred wonder, growing with the power In faithful scales, things and their opposites, A household small and sensitive,—whose love, Upon frail ties dissolving or dissolved On earth, will be revived, we trust, in heaven. 1834. In the class entitled "Musings," in Mr. Southey's Minor Poems, is one upon his own miniature Picture, taken in childhood, and another upon a landscape painted by Gaspar Poussin. It is possible that every word of the above verses, though similar in subject, might have been written had the author been unacquainted with those beautiful effusions of poetic sentiment. But, for his own satisfaction, he must be allowed thus publicly to acknowledge the pleasure those two Poems of his Friend have given him, and the grateful influence they have upon his mind as often as he reads them, or thinks of them. L. UPON SEEING A COLOURED DRAWING OF THE BIRD OF PARADISE IN AN ALBUM. WHо rashly strove thy Image to portray? In all her brightness, from the dancing crest Or in the diver's grasp Could imitate for indolent survey, Perhaps for touch profane, Plumes that might catch, but cannot keep a stain ; And, with cloud-streaks lightest and loftiest, share The sun's first greeting, his last farewell ray! Resplendent Wanderer! followed with glad eyes A holy name-the Bird of Heaven! The Bird of God! whose blessed will Over the earth and through the skies How happy at all seasons, could like aim Above a world that deems itself most wise When most enslaved by gross realities! 1835. |