THE OAK. 



13 



coolness, and amplitude of shade, it affords a still 

 more singular and striking one in the invigorating 

 sharpness of an autumnal morning ; when its thou- 

 sand boughs, and every pendent tw^ig, are gemmed 

 with crystals, reflecting the rays which no longer 

 scorch, and dazzle only to please. The following 

 lines, inspired by contemplating it under this aspect, 

 and written beneath the branches thus clothed in 

 icicles, whose brief glories were rapidly melting 

 away before an ascending sun, will not, it is pre- 

 sumed, be unacceptable to the lover of fanciful 

 imagery and harmonious numbers. 



Were now my spirit lapp'd in dreaming mood, 



I verily might think, majestic tree! 



That I, Louisa near, in company 

 Of some most fair and beauteous Naiad stood 

 In her own temple, 'neath the fountain flood ; 



In her own temple, roof 'd all gorgeously 



With gem and chrysolite — or I might be 

 Embower'd with Fairy-queen in magic wood, 

 The small leaves raining down a silver light. 

 About our couch — or, under ceiling bright, 



Starr'd with the twinklings of ten thousand eyes, 



Such as illume the Houri's paradise ; 

 Or else — but ah ! so wondrous fair the sight. 



That fancy in the unfinish'd effort dies ! 



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