235 



POESY AND SLEEP. 



X PREE TRANSLATION FROM THE FRENCH OF MADAM BAYLE MOUILLARD. 



"Avenir: mot pxiissantqui charme on desespere 

 ** Que la bouche en tremblant commence sur la terre, 

 " Que la penssee acheve aux cieuz." 



When fervid youth's delicious dreams declin'd 



My pensive head, with soft seducing power. 

 The far-off future rose before my mind, 



Imag'd in likeness of a budding flower ; 

 Closed o'er the charmed dish each petal lay. 



But, one by one, expanded to the light. 

 And deep the bliss that odorous centre bright 



Reveal'd, unbosom 'd to the solar ray. 

 Even such the charm, the depth, the tenderness. 

 Of those young hearts whose union God doth bless. — 

 Love heard my sigh, and brought th' auspicious hours ; 

 Love crown'd my brow with hymeneal flowers ; 



A tranquil happiness but full of life. — 

 Dreaming again, new thoughts my breast inspire, 

 A brighter future still my soul's desire. 



More ardent hopes, with stem ambition rife. 

 Unlike that purer joy so gentle and serene. 



' O let me live to place my name on high, 



' With those bright stars whose rays can never die !' 



How vain the wish ! — Fame's wreath is never wrought 



For woman's brow. — Begone deluding dream ! — 

 But, oh ! 'twas passing sweet ! — that glorious thought ! 



W. H. 



