Page:Poems Baldwin.djvu/89

THE LAST FAREWELL.

The sun's last rays yet linger'd in the sky,
 And shed around a faint and mellow light;
And in the wood the fragrant zephyr's sigh
 Alone was heard; and beautifully bright
The gentle moon and stars arose above.
 'Twas on this fair and tranquil summer night
Two met to part who long had vow'd to love.

Oh, muse! inspire my lay;—I ask no more
 Than simple strains to deck this tale of love;
To paint the scene on my own native shore;
 The views around; the tranquil heavens above.
Oh, all was lovely! as the moon arose
 Above the trees that cast a shade before,
It threw soft radiance where the Richelieu flows;
 Whose waves now broke so lightly on the shore,—
The winds blew softly; all was sweet repose.

These silver sounds, they seem'd to whisper rest,
 As though some spirit breathing peace was near,
To calm the sorrow of some troubled breast,
 So soothingly they fell upon the ear.
The lovers now were seated on the ground;
 Fresh-gather'd branches formed a rustic seat;