Classic Poem

CASTLE HILL .

Beneath that mound a Castle lies,
Far from the glimmer of the skies,
Whose walls are crumbled in the dust —
Whose brightest gems are wrapt in rust —
Whose tapestry, so rich and grand,
Is rent by Time's destroying hand, —
Whose gorgeous robes and gildings gay
Have tasted all of cold decay.

No guests assemble in the hall,
No taper's light shines o'er the wall;
All, all is gloom and sadness, where
All once was bright, and gay, and fair.
The pomp and glory of that place
Have hid themselves in dark disgrace —
The magic hours, when mirth ran high,
Have passed, as meteors in the sky.

For, when it held a place on earth,
There echoed from its domes the mirth
Of joyous inmates, young and gay,
As ever breathed the balm of May;
Where mingling minstrel sounds were heard
Beyond the bounds of due regard —
Where happy souls were raptured high
In the great gush of harmony.

Where are they now? All past and gone,
Long numbered with the cold unknown;
Their souls inhabit other spheres,
Far distant from this vale of tears;
Those earthly joys can charm no more —
Those sounds of revelry are o'er;
And Silence sits, enthroned in gloom,
Within that spacious awful tomb.

'Twas there a wicked King did dwell,
Who loved Sin's loud unhallowed swell, —
Who worshipped Mammon, and forgot
This world was but a fleeting spot, —
Who gloried in his evil ways.
And gave to Heaven no grateful praise;
And so destruction from on high,
Forever sealed his destiny.

And whilst the gladdened moments flew,
Tinged with the globlet's rosy hue, —
Whilst levity was in its height,
And all enjoyed their best delight; —
Then came the Thunder's rolling voice,
Condemning their unlawful joys:
It died away — but, when 'twas o'er,
That mansion reared its head no more!

Ah! who shall tell what sorrow reigned —
What agonizing anguish pained
Those bounding hearts, exulting high.
In zenith of their ecstacy! —
The sigh — the sob — the earnest prayer —
The wistful look of wild despair —
The piercing cry — the fond embrace!
When earth entombed that gaudy place.