Part 3 (2/2)

I would lead thee where the leaves In the moon-rays glisten; And, where shadows fall in sheaves, We would lean and listen For the song of that sweet bird That in April nights is heard.

And when weary lids would close, And thy head was drooping, Then, like dew that steeps the rose, O'er thy languor stooping, I would, till I woke a sigh, Kiss thy sweet lips silently.

I would give thee all I own, All thou hast would borrow, I from thee would keep alone Fear and doubt and sorrow.

All of tender that is mine Should most tenderly be thine.

Moonlight! into other skies, I beseech thee wander.

Cruel thus to mock mine eyes, Idle, thus to squander Love's own light on this dark spot;-- For my lady cometh not!

[Decoration]

[Decoration]

THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES.

1803-1849.

_DREAM-PEDLARY._

I.

If there were dreams to sell, What would you buy?

Some cost a pa.s.sing bell; Some a light sigh, That shakes from Life's fresh crown Only a rose-leaf down.

If there were dreams to sell, Merry and sad to tell, And the crier rung the bell, What would you buy?

II.

A cottage lone and still, With bowers nigh, Shadowy, my woes to still, Until I die.

Such pearl from Life's fresh crown Fain would I shake me down.

Were dreams to have at will, This would best heal my ill, This would I buy.

III.

But there were dreams to sell Ill didst thou buy; Life is a dream, they tell, Waking, to die.

Dreaming a dream to prize, Is wis.h.i.+ng ghosts to rise; And, if I had the spell To call the buried well, Which one would I?

IV.

If there are ghosts to raise, What shall I call, Out of h.e.l.l's murky haze, Heaven's blue pall?

Raise my loved long-lost boy To lead me to his joy.-- There are no ghosts to raise; Out of death lead no ways; Vain is the call.

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