XXVI BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



The charm had gone from study and from play. 



A void was in my heart, forlorn and weary; 



Without her presence all the da}' was dreary. 



Through all my liome, now but a desert drear, 



Her form I saw, her voice I seemed to hear; 



And through the watches of deceitful night, 



Her image soothed me in a vision l)right. 



— One of those da3's when God's sniile picrceth througl 



The summer sky, so perfect is the blue, 



And to the vast dome of the arching skies 



A hymn of love and worship seems to rise, 



Mingling, beneath the shady forest bowers, 



The song of birds and the sweet breath of flowers, 



Out in the fields we held a little feast. 



And her dear presence all ray joy increased. 



When evening came our wilder mirth to still, 



Upon the shoulder of the little hill. 



Within the dim edge of the echoing wood, 



With smiling plenty heaped, our table stood. 



Alas ! between us yawned a distance wide. 



And weary dragged the time, far from her side. 



But Avhen the feast was o'er, and we were free, 



How blithely rang again our childish glee ! 



Like a wild bird let loose in native skies. 



Through the green thickets swift her light foot flies, 



And the chance turnings of the tangled maze 



Now hide her form, now yield it to my gaze. 



And I pursue, as wild with youthful bliss 



We chase the flying steps of Happiness — 



Vague form, that flies before our outstretched hands. 



Then on the far horizon, guileful, stands. 



I^[y years Avere twelve ; but still that happy eve 



Within my heart a golden trace can leave; 



And all tlu.' impressions later years have made, 



Beside that bright spot into darkness fade. 



