Around my ivied porch shall spring Each fragrant flower that drinks the dew; And Lucy, at her wheel, shall sing In russet gown and apron blue. The village church, among the trees, Where first our marriage vows were given, With merry peals shall swell the breeze, And point with taper spire to heaven. SAMUEL ROGERS. THE BELLS OF SHANDON. Sabbata pango; Funera plango; Solemnia clango. INSCRIPTION ON AN OLD BELL. WITH deep affection And recollection I often think of Those Shandon bells, Whose sounds so wild would, In the days of childhood, Fling round my cradle Their magic spells. On this I ponder With thy bells of Shandon, Of the river Lee. I've heard bells chiming Brass tongues would vibrate; But all their music Spoke naught like thine. For memory, dwelling Its bold notes free, The pleasant waters Of the river Lee. I've heard bells tolling From the Vatican- Of Notre Dame; But thy sounds were sweeter Flings o'er the Tiber, Pealing solemnly. Oh! the bells of Shandon Of the river Lee. There's a bell in Moscow; While on tower and kiosk, oh, In Saint Sophia The Turkman gets, And loud in air Calls men to prayer From the tapering summit Of tall minarets. Such empty phantom 'Tis the bells of Shandon, The pleasant waters Of the river Lee. FRANCIS MAHONY ("FATHER PROUT"). DOUGLAS, DOUGLAS, TENDER AND TRUE. COULD ye come back to me, Douglas, Douglas, In the old likeness that I knew, I would be so faithful, so loving, Douglas, Never a scornful word should grieve ye, I'd smile on ye sweet as the angels do ;Sweet as your smile on me shone ever, Douglas, Douglas, tender and true. O to call back the days that are not! My eyes were blinded, your words were few; Do you know the truth now up in heaven, Douglas, Douglas, tender and true? I never was worthy of you, Douglas ; Now all men beside seem to me like shadowsI love you, Douglas, tender and true. Stretch out your hand to me, Douglas, Douglas, DINAH MULOCH CRAIK. THE OLD CLOCK ON THE STAIRS. SOMEWHAT back from the village street Tall poplar trees their shadows throw: An ancient timepiece says to all,— "Forever-never! Never-forever!" |