THE FAIR SPIRIT. 263 



her glances every crevice in the rock. At length perceiving me, 

 she flew to v^here I stood, by the fatal precipice, and having noticed 

 the fragments fresh crumbled in, pored importunately on my 

 countenance. I continued pointing to the chasm ; she trembled 

 not; her tears could not flow; but she divined the meaning, 

 'Heislost!' said she; Uhe earth has swallowed him! but, as 

 I have shared with him the highest joy, so will I partake his 

 torments. I will follow : dare not to hinder me.' 



" Like the phantoms I have seen in dreams, she glanced beside 

 me; and, clasping her hands above her head, lifted a steadfast 

 look on the hemisphere, and viewed the moon with an anxious- 

 ness that told me she was bidding it farewell for ever. Observing 

 a silken handkerchief on the ground, with which she had but an 

 hour ago bound her lover's temples, she snatched it up, and im- 

 printing it with burning kisses, thrust it into her bosom. Once 

 more, expanding her arms in the last act of despair and miserable 

 passion, she threw herself, with a furious leap, into the gulph." 



Beckford. 



[The following verses appeared in print at various intervals some years 

 since, under different signatures, they liave been revised by the writer in 

 order to render them, if possible, worthy of appearing in the " Museum."] 



THE FAIR SPIRIT. 



There dwelt a Spirit here ! 

 We knew it long and loved it for it made 

 Lustre around it, till the beautiful 

 Seemed like itself in purity ; and all, 

 Even the unlovely, in the radiant sphere 

 Of its sweet influence, wore a pleasing charm. 



When star-beams, on the pinions of soft air. 

 Came slowly down to seek repose upon 

 The veiled bosom of the timorous Night 

 And Silence rose, attendant on lier rest. 

 How have we listened to that Spirit's song ! 

 It flowed, like holy music from afar, 

 With an enchantment's secret extasy, 

 While memories of the dim and chequered past 

 Came quick upon the fancy, like the play 

 Of light upon the waters, till the spell 



