ON THE EVE OF DEPARTURE From O —

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.