4
POEMS.
And past historic mansions dim
Half hid in ivy tresses,
Where fleeting song-birds fleet and slim
From sylvan tendernesses,
Half hid in ivy tresses,
Where fleeting song-birds fleet and slim
From sylvan tendernesses,
Alight on turret, dome and spire,
From haunted lone recesses,
Swift catching from the sunset's fire
A glow of soft caresses.
From haunted lone recesses,
Swift catching from the sunset's fire
A glow of soft caresses.
Great Paul booms out the hour of ten,
I hear his voice sonorous,
Loud mingling with the march of men
In one tumultuous chorus!
I hear his voice sonorous,
Loud mingling with the march of men
In one tumultuous chorus!
The good old Abbey firm and fast
Stands like a giant bolden,
What victories of mind have passed
Within its portals olden.
Stands like a giant bolden,
What victories of mind have passed
Within its portals olden.
And on the mighty bridge that spans
The river wide, stupendous,
One marvels at the work of man's
Huge force and power tremendous!
The river wide, stupendous,
One marvels at the work of man's
Huge force and power tremendous!
Sweet Spring that lets her beauty slip
Upon the girlish faces,
That pass with sunny smile on lip
And dainty wealth of graces.
Upon the girlish faces,
That pass with sunny smile on lip
And dainty wealth of graces.
And still through countless ages rolls
Life's folly and its fashions,
Its precious freight of human souls
Their mysteries and passions!
Life's folly and its fashions,
Its precious freight of human souls
Their mysteries and passions!
