Classic Poem

As wand'ring o'er the pathless deep;
While all the world were wrapt in sleep,
Still, waiting for some fav'ring gale
To waft my boat, and fill my sail;
I saw a pearl come floating o'er
The darkling waves from Paphia's shore:
It rose — now sunk — then on did glide,
Illum'd by moon-light o'er the tide;
For Cynthia lent the pearl her light,
To guide it to my bark that night,
It fleet flew on, and near me came,
And I beheld not nymph or dame,
But blooming boy with bow and quiver,
Soft floating o'er the dangerous river.
I took him in, and ask'd his name,
And who he was, and whence he came;
His eyes lit up; he paused not long,
But answer'd with the following song: —

" I am that little lovely boy,
" Who cause both tears and smiles to rise;
" I beauty's eyes can light with joy,
" With joy that never fades, or dies.
" I am that sprite that oft lies hid;
" In beauty's heart, — as in some grove
" A bee is found the flowers amid;
" That wounds — but not so deep as Love.
" I am that wanton boy, whose dart
" Can pierce the strongest, roughest heart,
" Lie nestling there, and scorn to sever,
" And light, or cloud, his life for ever.
" I am the boy, Anacreon oft
" Saw bright'ning in his midnight dreams,
" With eyes as bright, and smiles as soft
" As when you snatch'd me from these streams:
" I am the boy, that mortals yet
" Hymn praises to in every grove,
" As if the world they would forget,
" And seek no other god but Love. "

The songster ceas'd, I view'd my guest;
And felt my heart but ill at rest;
I'd heard of Love, and knew the anguish
That he could raise, the grief and languish
That linger'd round where'er he flew,
And bent his infant footsteps too.
" Farewell, my bark," I tearful cried,
" No more we'll o'er the ocean glide,
" Thou'rt dreary, dim, and full of care,
" For Love hath plac'd his footstep there:"
" My peace is lost, and if I sleep,
" It shall be in the green-sea deep."
With that I bade young Love adieu,
And o'er the vessel fleetly flew,
And soon lost sight of shores and skies,
And felt the waters o'er me rise;
I sunk for fathoms through the waves,
And reach'd at length some coral caves,
And saw an arch, — and, just above,
Was written, " All who, slain by Love,
" Have lost what they on earth thought dear,
" Are now at peace, and wand'ring here. "
I swift pass'd on, and there beheld
The creatures that all darkly dwell'd
Within those caves beneath the sea,
And search'd for one reserv'd for me.
While anxious looking round and round,
I heard a wild, melodious sound,
And as amidst the rocks it wreath'd,
I heard this chorus faintly breath'd: —

" O ye, who watch the day-god rise,
" Or tend the flowret's opening bell,
" Or rise to view your native skies,
" O hasten to my coral cell.
" I've gem, and star, and amulet,
" And rose pluck'd when the sun is set.
" And many a wild and fairy song,
" And plants o'er which the silvery beam
" Of Cynthia hath diffused its gleam,
" And shed its spell-fraught power among.
" Then hasten,
" O hasten!
" To my coral cell! "

A nymph came forth, and seem'd amaz'd,
As on her graceful form I gaz'd,
Then sigh'd and said, " Perhaps like me,
" Who took a plunge in yon blue sea,
" One moon-light night, when Cupid's touch
" Affected me, alas! too much,
" You've felt the power of his bow,
" And wisely sought the shades below? "
" O no," I said, " while on yon river,
" I met the God with silvery quiver,
" I felt it not, — oh, not a dart
" As yet, hath pierc'd my youthful heart;
" I gaz'd on him , — as now on thee ,
" And found a sight enough for me ."