Water-Drops (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1864. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... DEATH'S CHOICE. The shadowy monarch, on his throne of skulls, Sate, wearied and displeased. "My cheerless task Since he of Eden felt a brother's hate," Down to the brow that blanches as I speak, Hath known no respite. Would that there were one With whom to trust my cares awhile, and snatch One moment of repose. Ho ye who wait Give notice that with him most worthy found By previous deeds, to waste the race of man, The King of Terrors will delight to share The glory of his kingdom." Mighty wiads, Swollen high to earthquake violence, and tones' Of many waters, like wild, warring seas, Proclaimed the edict, while the lightning's spear Wrote it in flame on every winged cloud: Yea, with such zeal the elements conspired To publish the decree, methought there lurked In eac h, some latent, lingering hope, to win The promised regency. The Passions came, Throned on their storm-clouds, and with varied voice Thundering, or eloquent, as best beseemed Their several natures, boasted how to quell Life's feeble springs. But to their claims, stern Death Gave credence cold. Next, fleshless Famine stalked, Followed by fierce, unpitying Pestilence, Still ever in their ear a mournful sound, --The weeping of the nations. Loudly shriek'd A martial trump, and on his bannered car, War, like a sovereign, came. Unnumbered spoils Were strewed around him, and the blood of men Flowed, as a river, 'neath his chariot wheels. His eagle eye the promised honor scanned, As an undoubted right. But still pale Death Pondered and spake not, till, with haughty pride The candidate withdrew, and trembling Earth Shrank at his kindled wrath. There was a pause, As if none dare in that foiled champion's steps Essay to tread. At length, a bloated form Moved slowly on, with mixjd and maddening bowL But ere the ...