The following Poem is intended to describe the mental conflicts, as well as outward sufferings, of a Spaniard, who, flying from the religious persecutions of his own country in the 16th century, takes refuge with his child in a North American forest. The story is supposed to be related by himself amidst the wilderness which has afforded him an asylum. THE FOREST SANCTUARY. I. THE Voices of my home!-I hear them still! They have been with me through the dreamy night- My heart's clear depths with unalloy'd delight! I hear them still, unchang'd :—though some from earth Are music parted, and the tones of mirth— Wild, silvery tones, that rang through days more bright! Have died in others,-yet to me they come, Singing of boyhood back-the voices of my home! II. They call me through this hush of woods, reposing grey stillness of the summer morn, In the They wander by when heavy flowers are closing, And thoughts grow deep, and winds and stars are born; Ev'n as a fount's remember'd gushings burst On the parch'd traveller in his hour of thirst, E'en thus they haunt me with sweet sounds, till worn By quenchless longings, to my soul I say Oh! for the dove's swift wings, that I might flee away, III. And find mine ark !-yet whither?—I must bear A yearning heart within me to the grave. I am of those o'er whom a breath of air Just darkening in its course the lake's bright wave, And sighing through the feathery canes -hath power To call up shadows, in the silent hour, From the dim past, as from a wizard's cave!— So must it be !These skies above me spread, Are they my own soft skies?—Ye rest not here, my dead! |