ON THE EVE OF DEPARTURE FROM O ——

Loud beats the rain! The hollow, groan

Of rushing winds I hear,

That with a deep and sullen moan,

Pass slowly by the ear.

Soon will my dying fire refuse

To yield a cheerful ray,

Yet, shivering still I sit and muse

The latest spark away.

Ah, what a night! the chilly air

Bids comfort hence depart,

While sad repining's clammy wings

Cling icy, to my heart.

To-morrow's dawn may fair arise,

And lovely to the view;

The sun with radiance gild the skies,

Yet then — I say adieu!

Oh, stay, dear Night, with cautious care,

And lingering footsteps move,

Though day may be more soft and fair,

Not her, but thee, I love.

Stay, wild in brow, severe in mien,

Stay! and ward off the foe;

Who, unrelenting smiles serene,

Yet tells me I must go.

Forsake these hospitable halls,

Where Truth and Friendship dwell,

To these high towers and ancient walls,

Pronounce a long farewell.

Alas! will Time's rapacious hand,

These golden days restore?

Or will he suffer me to taste

These golden days no more?

Will he permit that here again,

I turn my willing feet?

That my glad eyes may here again,

The look of kindness meet?

That here I ever may behold,

Felicity to dwell,

And often have the painful task

Of sighing out farewell?

Ah, be it so! my fears I lose,

By hope's sweet visions fed;

And as I fly to seek repose,

She flutters round my bed.