LOVE AND HOPE.

At morn, beside yon summer sea,

Young Hope and Love reclined;

But scarce had noon-tide come, when he

Into his bark leapt smilingly,

And left poor Hope behind.

“I go,” said Love, “to sail awhile

“Across this sunny main;”

And then so sweet, his parting smile,

That Hope, who never dreamt of guile,

Believed he'd come again.

She lingered there till evening's beam

Along the waters lay;

And o'er the sands, in thoughtful dream,

Oft traced his name, which still the stream

As often washed away.

At length a sail appears in sight,

And toward the maiden moves!

‘ Tis Wealth that comes, and gay and bright,

His golden bark reflects the light,

But ah! it is not Love's.

Another sail —‘ twas Friendship showed

Her night-lamp o'er the sea;

And calm the light that lamp bestowed;

But Love had lights that warmer glowed,

And where, alas! was he?

Now fast around the sea and shore

Night threw her darkling chain;

The sunny sails were seen no more,

Hope's morning dreams of bliss were o'er —

Love never came again!