The Select Poetical Works [Paperback]

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1865 Excerpt: ...its dwelling-place. Perchance, at times, within her heart may rise Remembrance of some early love or woe, Faded, yet scarce forgotten--in her eyes Wakening the half-formed tear that may not flow, Yet radiant seems her lot as aught on earth, Where still some pining thought comes darkly o'er our mirth. The world before her smiles--its changeful gaze She hath not proved as yet; her path seems gay With flowers and sunshine, and the voice of praise Is still the joyous herald of her way; And beauty's light around her dwells, to throw O'er every scene its own resplendent glow. Such is the young Bianca--graced with all That nature, fortune, youth, at once can give; Pure in their loveliness, her looks recall Such dreams as ne'er life's early bloom survive; And when she speaks, each thrilling tone is fraught With sweetness, born of high and heavenly thought. And he to whom are breathed her vows of faith Is brave and noble--child of high descent, He hath stood fearless in the ranks of death, Mid slaughter'd heaps, the warrior's monument; And proudly marshall'd his carroccio's way Amidst the wildest wreck of war's array. A sort of consecrated war-chariot. And his the chivalrous commanding mien, Where high-born grandeur blends with courtly grace; Yet may a lightning glance at times be seen, Of fiery passions, darting o'er his face, And fierce the spirit kindling in his eye--But e'en while yet we gaze, its quick wild flashes die. And calmly can Pietra smile, concealing, As if forgotten, vengeance, hate, remorse; And veil the workings of each darker feeling, Deep in his soul concentrating its force; But yet he loves--Oh! who hath loved, nor known Affection's power exalt the bosom all its own? The days roll on--and still Bianca's lot Seems as a path of Eden. Thou mightst d...