Classic Poem

We all have treasures which we fondly cherish
Precious and rare memorials of the past,
Relics of days that do not wholly perish
At least as long as Life and Memory last.

The antiquary hoards his coin and gem
Medal and manuscript and ancient tome:
And jewelled Krees [Kreese]—chibouque with curious stem—
Or fish—or bird the Mariner brings home.

The artist, and enthusiast of art,
Have sketches gather'd wheresoe'er they've been
And Nature's musing votaries do not part
Without mementos of each favorite scene.

The traveller brings from each enchanted spot
Something that may recall it to his view,
A leaf from Virgil's tomb—Egeria's grot—
Fragments of Rome—a flower from Waterloo.

After his pilgrimage the Palmer keeps
The garb, and staff, and cockle-shell he bore,
After her Lover's death the maiden weeps
Over the ring he gave, or tress he wore.

Thus is it ever!—In the heart's affections
In Friendship—Love and Memory we live
Life's strongest spells are wishes—recollections—
Joys we have gained or giv'n—or hope to give!

But in the Museums of the Soul like this,
The calmly meditative mind may see
The inborn thirst of past and present bliss,
All we have been—and yet expect to be.

Lady! may thy collection long increase!
Rich with the spoils of each succeeding year,
Proofs of the heart's content—the bosom's peace—
Hope—Love and Joy, unsullied by a tear.