Classic Poem

I.

I dreamt Love lay in a rose-bud's breast,
And Hope plac'd the plant in the sun's bright ray;
When awoke by the beam on his place of rest,
Love rose like a zephyr, and flew away.
Now Wisdom, it chanc'd, a garden had,
And Love, all carelessly, wander'd there,
Crushing each flowret bright and glad,
That loaded with perfume the fragrant air.

II.

Wisdom, the boy caught up in her hand,
And said, as she open'd the rose-bud's breast,
" There lie, by Wisdom's stern command,
" And sink for ever! Oh Love! to rest. "
Love look'd in pity in Wisdom's face,
She frown'd — he saw his suit was in vain:
And deep he lay in the bud's embrace,
Till Hope awaken'd the boy again.