A VISION'. 



A Uiist came o'er my startled eye, 

 I fainted, fell ! — raethought, I die ! 



Oh no! 



A hectic flush ran o'er my cheek ; 



I sighed, — and next began to weep : — 



I liv'd ; — and now with friends to dwell ; — 



This -vision of my brain to tell : 



And breaking from my languid frame, 



Methoiight I spoke — and thus 



I spoke again. 



Oh ! when the dark nights come on, 



And dreary hours beside. 

 How sad to hear the midnight tongue. 



Whispering; — " Away, my bride !" 



And in the gay and festive dance. 



When mirth and joy abound. 

 To see its meagre form advance. 



To fright me and confound. 



And through my sleepless nights to hear 



It breathing out to me. 

 That I by force must be its dear. 



And never to be free. 



And in my lonely hours at home 



Inflict a cureless wound ; — 

 My sisters they will hear it come, 



A hollow, death-like sound. 



It matters not at ball or play, 



Or 'mid the giddy throng. 

 My spirits never can be gay, 



Shock'd by its fiend-like tongue. 



Deep wrinkles to my brow 'twill bring. 



And misery and care ; 

 And leave behind a bitter sting, 



To haunt me every where. 



Where'er I go, by force or choice. 



No earthly power can save 

 Me from tlic terror of its voice, — 



'Twill haunt me to my grave. 



B. 



123 



