Classic Poem

I stood and watched the wild C HAUDIERE ,
Its waters to the cauldron leaping,
When in my mind awoke the fair
Whose spirit in my heart was sleeping.
" Behold! " I said, " how swift and strong
The current strikes the foaming basin!
So in my heart, for thee, love's song
Hymns its eternal diapason.

" And as you clouds of vapor roll
Above the seething foam to heaven,
So floats love's incense up my soul,
To God, for thee, at morn and even.
The iris, blushing far below
The bosom of the bounding river,
Is Love's bright Signet Ring, a bow
Of promise in life's sky forever! "

Sweet memories of that wild Chaudiere
Within my mind are gaily leaping;
And in my thrice-bless'd heart, that fair,
Beloved spirit, still is sleeping;
And when dark clouds their shadows fling
Across life's swiftly bounding river,
I look upon Love's Signet Ring —
The Bow is there — I bless the Giver!