PAGE In the valley of waters* 67 They say that hope is happiness*. A spirit passed before me Francisca........ Were my bosom as false as thou deem'st it to be............. Fame, wisdom, love, and power were mine............... Sun of the sleepless Bright be the place of thy soul................. Abracadabra...... Fac-simile of Lord Byron's hieroglyphical dots Away to proud Brocket, gay maidens of May. 187 HEBREW MELODIES. SHE WALKS IN BEAUTY. SHE walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright, Meet in her aspect and her eyes: Thus mellow'd to that tender light, Which heaven to gaudy day denies. One shade the more-one ray the less- Which waves in every raven tress, Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure-how dear their dwelling place. B And on that cheek-and o'er that brow, So soft-so calm-yet eloquent, The smiles that win-the tints that glow, A heart whose love is innocent! LORD BYRON here represents, with much discernment and feeling, the various shades of perfection in female beauty, by comparing with a masterly touch the serene placidity and harmony of features to various objects in nature. The empty shew so often predominant in the structure and embellishments of female attire, he tacitly, but strongly condemns, by exhibiting the simple and becoming beauty of their contraries. The countenance, which in the female character is generally the index of the mind, his Lordship here represents with a degree of penetration, which can only be the result of keen observation and experience, drawing a beautiful and striking conclusion, that without innocence, peace and harmony within, we can scarcely find placidity and composure in female expression. When arranging the first edition of the Hebrew Melodies, it was remarked that his Lordship gene rally requested to hear this melody sung, and would not unfrequently join in its execution. There was a melancholy expression hanging over his countenance on these occasions, which would induce a belief that there was somewhat more of reality connected with the feelings which the lines expressed, than the mere imagination of the poet. On finding this air, therefore, placed first in the arrangement, (which was done in compliment to his Lordship) he appeared much pleased. These circumstances, trivial in themselves, but certainly important to the developement of the real character of his Lordship, gave rise to many conjectures relative to the above lines. It is most probable, from the fervent attachment he felt towards his sister, whose countenance was as beautiful, as her disposition was amiable, and the unceasing tenderness with which he seemed on all occasions to view her, that they were directed to that Lady alone. This opinion is much strengthened, by the anxiety he betrayed whenever the composition was executed in her presence. IF THAT HIGH WORLD. IF that high world-which lies beyond The eye, the same except in tears: How welcome those untrodden spheres! How sweet this very hour to die! To soar from earth, and find all fears, That we so tremble on the brink, And striving to o'erleap the gulph, Yet cling to being's breaking link. Oh! in that future let us think, To hold each heart the heart that shares; With them th' immortal waters drink, And soul in soul grow deathless theirs! |