Classic Poem

A LONE and by the ocean's side,
Night's sober mantle cast around,
Afar from haunts of wealth and pride,
The solitude she sought was found.

And who, save those who feel as she,
Can tell the joys that filled her soul,
As, vast and fathomless and free,
She saw the mighty billows roll?

Perchance upon her spirit's shrine
There burned afresh poetic fire,
As there she mused on things divine,
Or sounded there her sweet-toned lyre.

The visions of her early youth,
Beside the lonely, heaving main,
Oh! were they not love, hope, and truth,
In after-life recalled again?

How of the scenes in early life
Of future days a type appears!
Then knew not Hemans' soul the strife,
The joys and griefs, of after years!

No more she seeks that lonely shore
For whom Castalian waters flowed;
No more on earth she treads the path
Which leads to heaven's bright abode.

Forever o'er are all her cares,
Her sorrows, and her earthly joys;
For praises now are changed her prayers,
And heaven's own work her mind employs.