Verses From the Valley

re came Entrancing rhapsodies of sleep, To whisper sweet things in the name Of her whose love was mine to keep. "Come," said fair Iris, "take my hand; I know thy great desire must be To view some islets in the Land Unbounded by a boundless sea. " I know thy haunts, and everyone Has seen my arch prismatic glow, When, at the rising of the sun, Light fell upon the mists below; "Or when the moon rose, pale and fair, Up from her mystic hiding-place. And gave the rain-drops in the air The color of her cheerful face. "Be hopeful thou, and follow me; If thou wilt but my wish fulfill, Sweet Memory's handmaid into thee Shall all her wealth of charm instill. "I heard thy wishes, and thy maid, Oft have I seen her as she lay, Her locks disheveled, not afraid To let my moon-beams round her play, " Disclosing beauty that would fill Thy soul with trembling, strange delight, And give thee thoughts to throb and thrill Thy pulses swift from morn till night. "Come thro' this vale of twenty years, Grown up with weeds and bramble vine. And view the scene which now appears; Note every shade and every line. "There, on a grassy slope, and near A row of nonage cherry trees, Some childish forms are seen; they rear A hamlet fit for'chickadees. " With anxious look they scheme and plan, To make their home the very best; A house they call it, and again Add something to the growing nest. '"Tis made of broken bo...