THE NECROMANCER 221 'Twas silent as a midnight church, that dim and mystic place, While shadows cast from many thoughts o'erswept the old man's face. He spoke at last, and low and deep, yet piercing was the tone, To one that o'er him long had watched, in reverence and alone. "I leave," he said, "an empire dread, by mount, and shore, and sea, Wider than Roman Eagle's wing e'er traversed proudly free; Never did King or Kaiser yet such high dominion boast, Or Soldan of the sunbeam's clime, girt with a conquering host. 66 They hear me-they that dwell far down where the sea-serpent lies, And they, the unseen, on Afric's hills that sport when tempests rise; And they that rest in central caves, whence fiery streams make way, My lightest whisper shakes their sleep, they hear me, and obey. 66 They come to me with ancient wealth-with crown and cup of gold, From cities roofed with ocean-waves, that buried them of old; They come from Earth's most hidden veins, which man shall never find, With gems that have the hues of fire deep at their heart enshrined. "But mightier power is on me now-it rules my struggling breath; I have swayed the rushing elements - but still and strong is Death! I quit my throne, yet leave I not my vassal-spirits free Thou hast brave and high aspirings, youth ! — my Sceptre is for thee! "Now listen! I will teach thee words whose mastery shall compel The viewless ones to do thy work, in wave, or blood, or hell! But never, never mayst thou breathe those words in human ear, Until thou'rt laid, as I am now, the grave's dark portals near." His voice in faintness died away,—and was seen, sudden flush A mantling of the rapid blood o'er the youth's impassioned mien A mantling and a fading swift, a look with sadness fraught; And that too passed-and boldly then rushed forth the ardent thought. "Must those high words of sovereignty ne'er sound in human ear? I have a friend-a noble friend-as life or freedom dear! Thou offerest me a glorious gift—a proud majestic throne, But I know the secrets of his heart - and shall I seal mine own? THE DYING GIRL AND FLOWERS 223 "And there is one that loves me well, with yet a gentle love Oh! is not her full, boundless faith, all power, all wealth above? Must a deep gulf between the souls, now closely linked, be set? Keep, keep the Sceptre !-leave me free, and loved and trustful yet!" Then from the old man's haughty lips was heard the sad reply "Well hast thou chosen !-I blame thee not-I that unwept must die. Live thou, beloved and trustful yet!-No more on human head Be the sorrows of unworthy gifts from bitter vials shed!" THE DYING GIRL AND FLOWERS ["I DESIRE as I look on these, the ornaments and children of earth, to know whether indeed such things I shall see no more?—whether they have no likeness, no archetype, in the world in which my future home is to be cast?-or whether they have their images above, only wrought in a more wondrous and delightful mould?"-Conversations with an Ambitious Student in Ill Health.] BEAR them not from grassy dells Kindred to the breeze they are, Spread them not before the eyes With the violet's breath would rise Dreams too sweet would haunt her bed; Hush! 'tis thou that dreaming art, Calmer is her gentle heart. Yes! o'er fountain, vale, and grove, Leaf and flower, hath gushed her love; Types of lovelier forms than these DIRGE AT SEA Therefore in the lily's leaf, She can read no word of grief; Therefore once, and yet again, DIRGE AT SEA SLEEP!-we give thee to the wave, Sleep! thy billowy field is won: Lonely, lonely is thy bed, Never there may flower be shed, Marble reared, or brother's head P 225 |