Poems, by E.L.F.

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1861 Excerpt: ... POEMS. THE HEBMIT. A FRAGMENT. Written at the Age of Fifteen. A Lovely eve--the setting sun Its work of glory had begun, And, ere it parted from our gaze, Shed all around its beauteous rays, As if it would enclasp the scene Where it had reigned in beauty's sheen. The glow had pierced a valley deep, Where Nature's beauty seemed to sleep--THE HERMIT. So calmly still, the dewy air Seemed but to breathe in slumber there. High rocks encircled that lone vale, Where dwelt the hero of our tale. A man, by age and sorrow bent, Had years of loneliness here spent--In this lone valley, far removed From all he ever knew or loved. But deem not that he friendless dwelt, Or that all feeling was unfelt: The tow'ring rocks that fiercely flung Their giant fragments o'er the vale--The feeble flowers that closely clung To those rude tenements of the dale--The sweeping wind, the murmuring breeze, The shadowed foliage of the trees, --All things in nature seemed to be The friends of his adversity. Long years had faded life's young bloom, And wrapt his soul in shades of gloom, THE HERMIT. As o'er his darkly-troubled breast, That never knew one hour of rest, Dim visions of the past would roll In strange confusion round his soul; And then across his burning brow Would rush the thought, What am I now f A being lonely, wild, and rude--A man of earth, in solitude.. One night a vision wrapt his soul With fierce and startling deep control, And scenes and actions long gone by Were hurled o'er his memory, As if his wondering eyes were cast On some bright mirror of the past; And all he ever did or said Was in that fearful moment read: --His infant hours of laughing grace, When all the soul shone in his face; And those bright years, that knew the boy A playful child of mirth and joy; The scenes .