Page:Home; or, The unlost paradise (IA homeorunlostpara00palm).pdf/28

Clouds, that like golden islands seem to float
Upon an azure sea, or spread afar
Like some imperial pavement wrought with art
Divine, of precious stones, agate and amethyst,
Sapphire and emerald—come, arm in arm,
The beautiful and young. The peaceful hour
Sheds its sweet influence o'er them. Slowly now,
As best befits such converse as they hold,
They thread the winding paths, or seek the bower;
And now, as with some sudden transport seized,
Burst forth in merry laugh, and glide along,
Like tripping fairies, in pursuit and flight
Alternate, as capricious impulse moves.
But gay, or grave, alike they waken here,
'Mid outward loveliness, pure thoughts, and feel
Quick-kindling sympathies their hearts unite.
Here, as in earth's first garden, dwells sweet Peace,
With joys of innocence and social love;
A Home is here, with all its histories,
Its storied past, its present, and to come.
O'er it have passed the changing lights and shades,