Xf.NES OF HIGH SUNDERLAKD. 177 



Should disturb the solemnity reigning around, 

 For the song-birds had fled, and rarely a sound, 

 Save the croaking of frog, or the rustle of snake, 

 Which fi-om undisturbed sluinbei's began to awake. 

 Smote the ear -drearily. 



And within those grey walls the recluse dwelt alone, 

 In a silent apartment where sun never shone, 

 No attendants, no friends, saving one stranger maid 

 Who to share her distress had successfully pray'd, 



Was allow'd to remain. — 

 And every hope Agnes had was of Heaven, 

 And the maid's e-v'ery thought to her mistress was given, 

 And the sighs that she heaved, were all lost in the tone 

 Of the sighs of the maid, which re-echoed her own 



In more sorrowftil strain. 



And oft when her heart was o'er bui'dened with grief, 

 And she told o'er her beads in vain hopes of reUef, 

 She would lay her pale face, like a babe seeking rest, — 

 On the maid's heaving bosom, where fondly caressed 



She would shed bitter tears. 

 And would gain some rehef from that maiden's embrace, 

 And repose from her cares, whilst her angel like face, 

 Half drooped like a lily that pines for the beams 

 Of the soul-cheering sun with his gladdening gleams, 



To dispel her dark fears. 



And the rays of true love, if such rays ever shone, 

 Fell o'er her from eyes oft in tears as her own. 

 And many a kiss on her marble-hke brow 

 Fell lightly, as falls the liglit feathery snow 



From the lips of that maid, — 

 And often pale Agnes awoke with a start, 

 When the lorn maiden pressed her too close to her heart, 

 And a delicate flush o'er her fair features play'd ; 

 Whilst she fear'd lest her deep-felt affection betray 'd. 



Should give cause to upbraid. 



Oh ! raptui"e distressing, and joy tui'ned to care. 

 Is when the heart's secret finds no one to share. 

 When knowledge within like a worm at the care 

 Disturbs the mind's peace, and embitters die star* 

 From which joys bars sprung ; — 



