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ees The place that needs his qualities. Weep not for him, for when Death lowers O'er youth's ambrosia-scented bowers He only plucks the choicest flowers. AN OLD MEMORY How sweet the music sounded That summer long ago, When you were by my side, love, To list its gentle flow. I saw your eyes a-shining, I felt your rippling hair, I kissed your pearly cheek, love, And had no thought of care. And gay or sad the music, With subtle charm replete; I found in after years, love 'Twas you that made it sweet. For standing where we heard it, I hear again the strain; It wakes my heart, but thrills it With sad, mysterious pain. It pulses not so joyous As when you stood with me, And hand in hand we listened To that low melody. Oh, could the years turn back, love! Oh, could events be changed To what they were that time, love, Before we were estranged; Wert thou once more a maiden Whose smile was gold to me; Were I once more the lover Whose word was life to thee,-- O God! could all be altered, The pain, the grief, the strife, And wert thou--as thou shouldst be-- My true and loyal wife! But all my tears are idle, And all my wishes vain. What once you were to me, love, You may not be again. For I, alas! like others, Have missed my dearest aim. I asked for love. Oh, mockery! Fate comes to me with fame! A CAREER "Break me my bounds, and let me fly To regions vast of boundless sky; Nor I, like piteous Daphne, be Root-bound. Ah, no! I would be free As yon same bird that in its flight Outstrips the range of mortal sight; Free as the mountain streams that gush From bubbling springs, and downward rush Across the serrate mountain's side,-- The rocks o'erwhelmed, their banks defied,-- And like the passions in the soul, Swell into torrents as they roll. Oh, circumscribe me not by rules That serve to lead the minds of fools! But give me pow'r to work my will, And at my deeds the world shall thrill. My words shall rouse the slumb'ring zest That hardly stirs in manhood's breast; And as the sun feeds lesser lights, As planets have their satellites, So round about me will I bind The men who prize a master mind!" He lived a silent life alone, And laid him down when it was done; And at his head was placed a stone
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