The South American, and other poems - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1816 Excerpt: ... XVIII. As the tired sailor, who, from India's clime, Homeward careering by the impelling blast, Chides tbe dull way, and thinks how long the time, Since from the blithesome maid he parted last, And oft will eager gaze from the high mast--Was it not land!--vain fool! 'twas but a cloud That o'er the haughty billows fleeting passed:--He sighs; but Hope's bright visions backward crowdGreet transports yet to come, and every soritow shroud:--XIX. So sighed the chieftain for the happy day.. Lonely, he wandered by the Guayra's tide, Counting each hour--for hours seem to delay, When two fond lovers' converse they divide.--Why did he roam afar the forest wide--No longer seek by Laura's side to dwell!--What made the lovers from each other glide!--O, 'twas a nameless power, which none may tell, Save those who own the sway of such bewitching spell! XX. But now the deep toned bells rung forth a peal; Labour laid down the mattock and the hook, And hastened at the holy shrine to kneel; With choral hymns the fretted arches shook, While many a priest, with rosary and book, In solemn mood the long procession led, And ever and anon, with upcast look, Urged the Redeemer's love, whose hand had spread Such bounties upon earth, and who for sinners bled. XXI. With crimson silk was hung the sacred fane--The marble floor was strewed with flowerets fair; But ev"n the opening rose-bud might, in vain, Strive with the blooming virgins to compare;--There Laura too breathed forth the pious prayer: So sweet their voices, mingled with the tone Of the loud organ, mellowed on the air, Seemed as applauding angels down had flown, And drawn seraphic strains from the celestial throne. XXII. The hymn is o'er--the trembling eclros pass:--O, died they not with a prophetic sound!--Speed, holy father! ...