TO . 857 



was wanted to render this sylvan assembly perfect but the 

 presence of the brightest part of the creation, until whose appear- 

 ance even paradise was incomplete. To me it was all fairy-land 5 

 nor did tlie darkness of the night diminish the splendour of the 

 scene : the blaze of the fires glittering on the rows of bayonets, 

 and the hum of the thousands around me, all combined to enchant 

 my senses, which were feasting on the new views I now enjoyed of 

 human nature, and on which I could for ever dwell — all around 

 appeared animated — 



" The rushes, and the willow wand. 

 Are bristling into axe and brand. 

 And every tuft of broom gives life 

 To patriot warrior, armed for strife.** 



TO 



Oh, I love thy name ; and I love the ground 

 Where my lingering eye hath seen thee tread. 



Thy voice to my ear is the sweetest sound ; 

 And thy gentle bosom the softest bed 



That ever my weary brain hath prest, 



My spirit's earthly place of rest. 



I love thee when the morning grey 

 Tints, with faint light, the slumbering scene : 



I love thee at the bright noon-day ; 

 I love thee at the dewy even. 



At the darkest hour of the lonely night, 



I love thee, my spirit's beacon-light. 



I love thee when Spring, with her timid hand, 

 From its wintry slumber wakes the rose : 



"When, over the waters, and over the land, 

 Summer her halo of glory throws : 



When Autumn scatters her foliage sear : 

 I love thee in Winter, wild and drear. 



Oh, I love thee when, with rapture lit, 

 In hour of joy, thy glance meets mine : 



And I love thee when, plunged into moodiest fit. 

 My vext spirit brooks no look but thine. 



For thou from the deep and the deadly strife, 



Canst win back that spirit to love and life. 



So I love thee morning, noon, and night, — ^ 

 In the Summer's bloom, and the Winter's blight: 

 In health and pleasure's rapturous glow; 

 When grief lays my ardent spirit low : 

 And I'll love thee still in that fearful hour, 

 When death asserts his conquering power. 



F. F. 



Oct. 2, 1831. 



