Apheila; And Other Poems (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1854 edition. Excerpt: ... PONCE DE LEON'S DEEAM. BY T. BIBB BRADLEY. Inscribed To W. Gilmore Simms, L. L. D. What emotions of joy pervaded the breast of Ponce de Leon, when first he beheld Florida, the land of sweet flowers and limpid streams Confident now of finding his longsought Fountain of Youth, his joy knew no bounds. Often he wandered from his companions, and roaming alone in the blooming forest, gave himself up unrestrainedly to his delightful musings.--Wash. Irving PART I. "within fair Florida's domain three hundred years ago, How solemn stood the lordly oaks, how hoar the misletoe, That clung and deftly nestled there, upon those monarch trees, v As woman's constant love to man, defying storm and breeze. O'er valley, vale, and sombre mount, dispelling dismal shade, O'er river, rill, and sparkling fount, in every secret glade; On drooping vine and cypress tall, on ash and aspen light, In loveliness the sun at eve cast golden beams and bright, A parting smile then threw o'er earth, his farewell glance then gave, And sweetly lingering gently sank within the waiting wave. Then rose with mild serener beam the golden-cinctured maid, A mellow light within her eye, in fairest garb arrayed. For briefest space alone she paused to view the fairy scene, Ere called her star-decked maiden train, right fitting train for Queen; In circles small then waved her hands, with golden bracelets bound, And summoned all who owned her sway, her glittering throne around. Each handmaid saw the gorgeous gem from out the distant space, Each joyously obeyed the sign, and paused in proper place, Such happy smiles dame Nature cast upon her fav'rite land, E'er flowers bloomed and budded there by gentlest zephyrs fanned. Bright sank the sun, fair rose the moon, fair was the river's flow...