In Woods and Fields (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 Excerpt: ... TO SARAH HELEN WHITMAN. And hast thou flitted to some brighter sphere, Like a rare bird long weary on the wing, --Thou who didst ever dwell so fondly near The source of life and songs' perennial spring? Lightsome in footfall when the years had sped, As some glad child at play beside a stream, --Far from thy presence age and winter fled, And all the world was rosy with thy dream. Who that has felt the welcome of thy smile, Or touched thy hand, a rose leaf in the palm, Who that has known thee loving without guile, But folds thy memory in nard and balm? Unlike all beings of this later time, Purer and finer in the fragile mould, Fashioned to breathe a more ethereal clime, Or to dwell backward in the age of gold; TO SARAH HELEN WHITMAN. 69 Still hung thy love undimmed, a silver star Upon the clouded night of one whose fame Beamed strange and lurid o'er the world afar; And thy meek heart did fondly shield his name. And ever simple in thy household ways, None knew the magic or the secret charm That crowned with vernal blooms thy latter days; Some blest ideal kept thee free from harm. Sweet saint, we follow not where thou hast sped Into the deepening heaven of joy and love, Perchance God took thee when thy spirit fled, And soothed thee like a gentle, fluttering dove. JOY AFTER SORROW. Break in, thou splendors of the soul, And light the land and sea; O shades of gloom, now backward roll And leave the prospect free. Unveil the glories of the sense, And all thy raptures bring; Let life disclose its recompense, And spirit soar and sing. Here from the mountain top discern The blessings where they stand; Complaint and sighing now unlearn, And greet the lovely band. The lambent flames of morning play About thy favored head; For thee the noontide gilds its ray, And evening ...