Classic Poem

XXVIII.

Lift me, O you, whose arms are young!
Lay me beneath yon broad oak's shade;
For now the noon-day sun grows strong,
Let not his rays my eyes invade.

XXIX.

Then wilt thou come, thou vision fair,
Oft mingled with the stars of night;
Scenes of my youth shall rise in air,
And times of manhood's active might.

XXX.

Shew to my soul the lovely maid,
Beneath the oak, the forest's pride;
Her cheek let golden tresses shade,
Her lover, smiling, grace her side.

XXXI.

May endless joy their spirits wait,
And meteors waft th' enamour'd pair!
Blest be your souls, and blest thy fate,
Maid with the graceful locks so fair!

XXXII.

Leave not my soul, O dream of joy!
O turn again, once more return!
They hear me not — My darling boy!
For thee, for her, not long I mourn!

XXIII.

Now lay me close by yonder fall
That leaps in thunder o'er the rock;
My lyre and shell attend my call,
The spear my sires in battle shook.

XXXIV.

And come whence ocean's waters roll,
Ye breezes mild that softly blow,
And bear away my parting soul
Where sinks the sun at evening low.

XXXV.

O bear me to the happy isles
Where shades of mighty heroes rest,
Who, sunk in sleep, forget their toils,
Or wake the music of the blest.

XXXVI.

Blind O SSIAN'S misty halls unfold:
Your eyes no more the bard shall view:
Let me my harp and shell behold, —
And now, dear harp and shell, adieu!