by John Bolton Rogerson.
(Author of "Rhyme, Romance, and Revery.")
Originally published in Bradshaw's Journal (William Strange) vol.2 #7 (18 Dec 1841).
As the fragrant wind that floateth
'Mid the summer-hours,
Stealing odours, while it giveth
Sweets to leaves and flowers—
Thus thy beauty haunts my spirit,
Fraught with bliss to me,
Though it from my bosom beareth
All my heart to thee.
As the mystic sea-shell ever
Murmurs to the ear,
As the stars above us never
Quit their glorious sphere—
So in absence does my memory
Bear thine image still;
So thou seemest ever near me,
Spite of thought or will.
If in sleep appear an angel,
It doth wear thy face;
When it fadeth with the vision,
Thou has ta'en its place.
I see thee in the crowded city,
And in wand'rings lone:
Thus in absence, sleep, or waking,
I am all thine own.