136 FLORAL CEREMONIES. 



And never Grecian chisel formed 

 Shapes of more perfect grace, 



Than by the moonlit Ganges bend 

 Each o'er her mirrored face. 



Ah ! love takes many shapes ; at first 



It comes as flashes fly 

 That bear the lightning on their wings, 



And then in darkness die. 



But after comes a steadier light, 



A long and lasting dream ; 

 Like the full heaven which the sun 



Flings down on life's dark stream. 



One lingers for she dares not trust 



Her lamp upon the wave ; 

 She knows the omen ere it come 



Her heart is its own grave. 



There is a love that in the soul 



Burns silent and alone, 

 Though all of earthly happiness, 



Has long, too long been flown. 



