Wolfe of the Knoll; And Other Poems (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. 1860. Excerpt: ... WOLFE OF THE KNOLL. CANTO I. AMEOOM. Come, ye that are weary of heart, with me To a far-off isle in a lonely sea It lies, not glowing 'neath tropical skies, Cradled in waters of amethyst dyes; No vine-wreaths are there, no feathery palms, No blossoms are filling the air with balms, No forests arc waving, no stately trees--Grand organs played by the tune-loving breeze--Not even a coppice where summer birds throng Dazzling with plumage or thrilling with song; No stream leapeth wild from the mountain-side, 'Neath cavernous rocks for a moment to hide, Then calmly through winding valleys to glide. No lake nestles there, with its fairy skiffs, Half silvered by moonlight, half shaded by cliffs. Our desolate choice hath no charms like these, Sad hearts to comfort, or glad ones to please. The sea casteth pearls on Araby's strand, Shells, corals, and sea-moss, and ruby sand; And emerald, scarlet, and gold fish there Flash through his waters transparent as air. His wavelets are laughing all night on that shore, Tossing their jewels at touch of the oar. But angry and hoarse is the voice of the tide, As he lashes our island's trembling side, And rolls up the ooze from his slimy bed, The pale thin meadows to overspread, Then leaves, as he slowly sinketh back, The muscle, the crab, and the ray in his track. The brilliant flashes of phosphoric light, seen when the waves dash upon the reefs, or are broken by the oar or otherwise, are called by the Arabs "the jewels of the deep." Else few are the gifts that he bringeth the while; He weareth at best but a mocking smile, Like a foe confessed, who knoweth his power, And his victim's weakness, yet bides the hour. On the North Sea's icy and heaving breast The islet of Amroom finds doubtful rest, Above the wild waters scarce h...