Classic Poem

I scarce would let that restless eye
Which haunts my solitude behold
The secret which each smothered sigh
And every silent tear unfold

If it were near & if its beam
Fell on me from a human brow
I would awake from that wild dream
Which spell-binds every talent now

The voice of Pride should sometimes speak
When softer feelings enervate
And bid the heart; that bondsman break
Its self-locked chain ere yet too late

Passion has surged itself to rest
And calms from hope descending tell
How soft she comes, a golden guest
To shine where tears of darkness fell!

But O! exult not hush thy joy
That sunshine still is blent with rain
And over that blue glimpse of sky
The storm's dim clouds may close again

Kneel & look up & pierce with prayer
The far, clear hollow, arched above
And ask thine unseen Father's care
To fill the void of earthly love

Then safe in haven, o'er the sea
And o'er its wild, white waves of foam
Look forth and cry triumphantly
What storm, what grief can vex my home!