Page:The poetical works of Thomas Campbell.djvu/30
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Breathe a deep sigh to winds that murmur low,And think on all my love, and all my woe?"So speaks affection, ere the infant eyeCan look regard, or brighten in reply;But when the cherub lip hath learnt to claimA mother's ear by that endearing name;Soon as the playful innocent can proveA tear of pity, or a smile of love,Or cons his murmuring task beneath her care,Or lisps with holy look his evening prayer,Or gazing, mutely pensive, sits to hearThe mournful ballad warbled in his ear;How fondly looks admiring Hope the while,At every artless tear, and every smile!How glows the joyous parent to descryA guileless bosom, true to sympathy!Where is the troubled heart consign'd to shareTumultuous toils, or solitary care,Unblest by visionary thoughts that strayTo count the joys of Fortune's better day!Lo, nature, life, and liberty relumeThe dim-eyed tenant of the dungeon gloom,A long-lost friend, or hapless child restored,Smiles at its blazing hearth and social board;Warm from his heart the tears of rapture flow,And virtue triumphs o'er remember'd woe.Chide not his peace, proud Reason! nor destroyThe shadowy forms of uncreated joy,That urge the lingering tide of life, and pourSpontaneous slumber on his midnight hour.Hark! the wild maniac sings, to chide the galeThat wafts so slow her lover's distant sail;