Poems and Essays

by Joseph Howe

 

LINES WRITTEN IN AN ALBUM.

 
If, on the page where Beauty’s gaze
    A new attraction still discovers
In Friendship’s dearly valued praise,
    Or tributes from more ardent Lovers;

A Stranger, dare a thought to trace,
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    A hasty stanza rudely wreathe,
Before he leaves thy dwelling place,
    For thee, fair Jane, a prayer he’ll breathe.

He will not praise the youthful form
    Where health is blent with fairy lightness,
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Nor linger, with a verse too warm,
    Upon that eye’s unclouded brightness:

The lip, like some sweet instrument,
    That music gave whene’er ’twas stirred—
The gentle soul, that feeling lent
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    To every gay or thoughtful word;

All these to younger Bards belong,
    Whose hearts are fresh, whose hands are free,
The burthen of the Stranger’s song,
    Shall only be a prayer for thee.
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Oh! may the gracious God above,
    Who reared so sweet a forest flower,
For Age to bless, and Youth to love,
    Protect thee to thy latest hour. [Page 127]

May smiles still deck that speaking face,
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    And, if, at times, a tear should start,
Let it leave no unlovely trace
    To show there’s sorrow at the heart.

That Peace and Love your path may strew,
    The World its brightest aspect wear,
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And Hope and Joy still smile on you,
    Shall be the Stranger’s fervent prayer. [Page 128]