By the sleepy ripple of the stream, Which hath lull'd thee into many a dream; By the shiver of the ivy-leaves To the wind of morn at thy casement-eaves, By the gathering round the winter hearth, When twilight call'd unto household mirth; In that ring of happy faces told; By the quiet hour when hearts unite In the parting prayer and the kind "Good-night;" By the smiling eye and the loving tone, Over thy life has the spell been thrown. And bless that gift!—it hath gentle might, It hath led the freeman forth to stand Yes! when thy heart in its pride would stray And the sound by the rustling ivy made, Think of the tree at thy father's door, And the kindly spell shall have power once more! ROMAN GIRL'S SONG. Roma, Roma, Roma! ROME, Rome! thou art no more As thou hast been! On thy seven hills of yore Thou satst a queen. Thou hadst thy triumphs then Purpling the street, Leaders and sceptred men Bow'd at thy feet. They that thy mantle wore, Rome, Rome! thou art no more As thou hast been! Rome! thine imperial brow Never shall rise : What hast thou left thee now? Thou hast thy skies! Blue, deeply blue, they are, Gloriously bright! Veiling thy wastes afar With colour'd light. Thou hast the sunset's glow, Flushing tall cypress-bough, Temple and tower! And all sweet sounds are thine, Lovely to hear, While night, o'er tomb and shrine, Rests darkly clear. Many a solemn hymn, By starlight sung, Many a flute's low swell, Lingers, and loves to dwell Thou hast the South's rich gift Of sudden song, A charmed fountain, swift, Joyous, and strong. |