ON JORDAN'S BANKS. 1. On Jordan's banks the Arabs' camels stray, On Sion's hill the False One's votaries pray, The Baal-adorer bows on Sinai's steepYet there-even there-Oh God! thy thunders sleep: 2. There-where thy finger scorch'd the tablet stone! There—where thy shadow to thy people shone! Thy glory shrouded in its garh of fire: Thyself—none living see and not expire ! 3. Oh! in the lightning let thy glance appear! Sweep from his shiver'd hand the oppressor's spear: How long by tyrants shall 'thy land be trod! How long thy temple worshipless, Oh God! JEPHTHA'S DAUGHTER. 1. Since our Country, our God--Oh, my Sire! Demand that thy daughter expire; Since thy triumph was bought by thy vowStrike the bosom that's bared for thee now! 2. 3. And of this, oh, my Father! be sure That the blood of thy child is as pure As the blessing I beg ere it flow, And the last thought that soothes me below. 4. 5. When this blood of thy giving hath gush'd, When the voice that thou lovest is hush'd, Let my memory still be thy pride, And forget not I smiled as I died ! OH! SNATCH'D AWAY IN BEAUTY'S BLOOM, 1. But on thy turf shall roses rear year ; 2. Shall Sorrow lean her drooping bead, And lingering pause and lightly tread; 3. Away! we know that tears are vain, That Death nor heeds nor bears distress: Or make one mourner weep the less ? B MY SOUL IS. DARK. 1. My soul is dark-Oh! quickly string The harp I yet can brook to hear; And let thy gentle fingers fling Its melting murmurs o'er mine ear. If in this heart a hope be dear, That sound shall charm it forth again; If in these eyes there lurk a tear, 'Twill flow, and cease to burn my brain: 2. But bid the strain be wild and deep, Nor let thy notes of joy be first: I tell thee, minstrel, I must weep, Or else this heavy heart will burst; For it hath been by sorrow nurst, And ached in sleepless silence long; And now 'tis doom'd to know the worst, And break at once-or yield to song. |