II.

I remember, I remember, in my musings sad and lone, The beauty and the brightness, that have vanished, and are gone, Rosy clouds at eve reposing in the crimson-curtained west, Mocking with their tranquil splendor the human heart's unrest. They are gliding through my visions, as they used to do of yore, Yet the gentle thoughts they wakened, shall _they_ come back no more? Oh! many an hour I lingered to watch their gorgeous dyes In soft and shadowy outlines against the purple skies; Through their regal halls, air-woven, the parting radiance streamed, Ever varying like the opal's hue: and often have I deemed They were come with tender message, in the holy hush of even, From the Loved of years departed, spirit-guardians in Heaven!