Classic Poem

II. — TO A FAMILY BIBLE .

What household thoughts around thee, as their shrine,
Cling reverently! — of anxious looks beguiled,
My mother's eyes, upon thy page divine,
Each day were bent; — her accents, gravely mild,
Breathed out thy lore: whilst I, a dreamy child,
Wander'd on breeze-like fancies oft away,
To some lone tuft of gleaming spring-flowers wild,
Some fresh-discover'd nook for woodland play,
Some secret nest: — yet would the solemn Word
At times, with kindlings of young wonder heard,
Fall on my waken'd spirit, there to be
A seed not lost; — for which, in darker years,
O book of Heaven! I pour, with grateful tears,
Heart blessings on the holy dead and thee!