HEART'S FOUNTAIN.

Her moods are like the fountain's, changing ever,

That spouts aloft a sudden, watery dome,

Only to fall again in shattering foam,

Just where the wedded jets themselves dissever,

And palpitating downward, downward quiver,

Unfolded like a swift ethereal flower,

That sheds white petals in a blinding shower,

And straightway soars anew with blithe endeavor.

The sun may kindle it with healthful fire;

Upon it falls the cloud-gray's leaden load;

At night the stars shall haunt the whirling spire:

Yet these have but a transient garb bestowed.

So her glad life, whate'er the hours impart,

Plays still‘ twixt heaven's cope and her own clear heart.