c cccc C Cc ce t CCC #.^<^ CccC^ ^ OtfCtSML ^il& I' ill CCL C ccc c ^ rC ^C ^ <; C > r *^g^ THE BOOK PLEASANT LEGENDS, THOUaHTFUL HOURS. TENDER MEI.ODIES, SECULAR AND SACRED. BEING A COLLECTION OF CHOICE SELE(^TIONS FROM THE WRITINGS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON KETTOMAN. ANNO DOMINI 1875. (ii;r'l'Y8BURG: J. K. WrBI,K I'HINTKK, COUNER OK WASHIXrjTON AND NORTH STREETS. 1875. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1H7BI by G. W. KETTOMAN, In the oflBce of thel jibrarian of Congress at Washington. THE MOUNTAIN BARD. BY REV. EDWIN H. NEVIN, D. D. We had occasion recently to visit one of the most beautiful sections of Pennsylvania, where mountain, valley, and stream combine to cre- ate the various types of landscape so necessary to the development of the poetical element in man's nature, and, while enjoying the peaceful quietude of a retired and unfrequented village, at the hospitable home of the village pastor, we met with a youth, of some eighteen or twenty years, whose history interested us greatly. We learned of him that he was born near tlie town of Gettysburg, in Adams County, Pennsylvania, if we rightly remember, in the year 1 H.'jS, but when very young removed with his parents to the mountains in the southwestern part of his native county, where he yet resided at the time of our meeting. As we first saw him entering the pastor's home, there was nothing very noticeable in his appearance. Rustic and unpretending in his manners and bearing, with no apparent effort to cidtivate fashion or style, the main thing we observed was that he was a young man of thoughtful mould, earnest heart, clear eye, and an evident fixedness of purpose. Having a roll in his hand, he reminded us somewhat of Bunyan 's portraiture of the Pilgrim. From the estimable pastor we learned that he was a youth of uncommon natural abilities, and after having read a short literary production of his, were astonished at learning lie was tntirdy h<- If -taught. Reared in the midst of the friendly forest which yield to his father a scanty support, with no near neighbors and but few friends with whom to hold intercourse, the youth grew up in solitude, making his comi)anions of the trees and flowers of the mountainside, the crystal bounding brooks and stream- lets, and the birds who awoke him with theii- early matinal warbling. Witli these surroundings, the tendency of most minds would have been toward the unthinking wildness of the "gentle savage." There was no incentive to intellectual exertion or improvement. But it seems that the majestic works of God were silent teachers to the thirsty soul of tlun boy. The grand scenery that stretched in wide 4 THE MOUNTAIN BARD. expanse before his view as he stood in the cottage dooi' seemed to stir his soul with high purposes and noble resolves. The rustling leaves and the sighing winds whispered to him the most delightful thoughts of poesy, and all of nature's handiwork brought to his eager, recep- tive mind views of the Divine Creator who made all things and pro- nounced them good. Humanly speaking, this young mind stood alone. There was no sympathetic or appreciative person at hand to draw out and develop the germs of genius which stirred within him; and, to aU appearances there was no alternative but that he should, when he arrived at a suffi- cient age, shoulder his polished axe and follow the humble pursuit of his aged parent. This indeed he was required to do, and he did it without complaint, but with each reverberating blow of the axe it would seem new and heaven-sent thoughts germinated in his mind. At night, while the aged wood-chopper and family slept the sleep that comes only to honest toil, the boy pored over his books, endeav- oring to satisfy his thirst for knowledge, and upon many a belated traveler has the light of his tallow dip gleamed out from the little window of his attic chamber. "We had an opportunity later to exam- ine particularly some of the writings of this highly gifted youth, and we took pains to show them to friends of literary culture on our re- turn to Philadeli)hia, all of whom were greatly impressed with the un- doubted evidences of his genius. He has written several thousand pages of manuscript, b\it has never published anything, except probably, a few stray short poems. Per- haps seclusion for a short time yet may be conducive to his welfare as a forthcoming writer, that when he does come forth, he may do so with the more power and lustre. Nearly all the great poets of the world have been men of humble l)irth, and we anticipate for this promising young man a brilliant future.— PMladelphia Commercial and Manufacturers' Gazette. ' George Washington Kettoman was born about two miles from Gettysburg, in the county of Adams, and State of Pennsylvania, on the 17th day of April, ISoH. I'REFATORY REMARKS. The foUowiuo- oiip hundred selected from about three thousand l)Hges, dear reader, are dedicated to you. I trust you will read thein with impartiality and kindly feeling toward the author, thereby doing to another as I know you would have him do to you. I invite a just criticism from all. You will find my writings savor of sorroiv. and even dea/h — kiiow this that F have suffered ! Hoping you may find a rich moral on every page 1 remain in tender communion Your Friend the RiNGGOL]), Mi>., 1875. BARD. 1®^' g^leasmtil ^e|eitl$i 1^ PLEASANT LEGENDS. CELESTA. Hear it and die ! the story of Celesta fair ; Few souls have heard it in this world of care. And yet it is so wondrous, pure, and sweet, That in the feelino- heart it takes its seat, And reigns su])renie in Memory's pictured hall, Even till death's deep shadows darken all : But 'tis so fraught witli the strange mysteries of the skv% That men know hut one half, the rest belongs on high. Far off in a warm southern sea there lies A blooming isle 'neath soft cerulean skies, Where frost and wintry storms were never known, And from where gay song birds have never tiown, And various flowers blossom the year round, And spangle all the green delightful ground ; WTiere faint winds blend their hymn with that of falling rills. And rainbows bend and burn above the ancient hills. ^ And it is said this Paradise on earth Is the proud land of fair (celesta's birtli, Radiant Celesta, sweeter, fairer far, Than fairest nymphs of spicy Scio are ; More pure in heart, more heavenly in mind. Than all the rest of sinful human kind : So beautiful that man in awe of her did live, l^OT dared the noblest youth for her pure heart to strive! 10 PLEASANT LEGENDS. But she in her divinity of charms, Won from the skies an angel to her arms ; Barthus, the fair, seraphic, pure, and bright. An usher at the eternal gates of light. Bearing one of the twelve enchanted keys, That ope the pearly gates of Paradise, At word of High Commandment leading faithful souls Into that glorious place where Life's clear river rolls. And ever when the sun sank down to rest. And cool the red heart throbbing in his breast. Afar where the west wind is never laid, (Celesta's angel lover swiftly sped. On flaming wings down the deep saifron sky. To that joy-crowned, best island of the sea, By leave Divine to w^oo by starlight's early glow, This strange, sweet nymph, for Heaven had willed it so. There stood a quaint white castle by the sea, Ancient and lone, propping the bending sky, On..that green isle, and lo ! I 've heard it said. That with fond wings low drooping o'er her head, Reclining on the wall of highest tow'r, Through all the mellow twilight's dreamy hour, He 'd hold her to his heart breathing Elysian love ; Wooing her spotless soul for the bright world above I But ever when deep darkness veiled the strand. He spread his wings for Eden's morn-lit land ; And by the ling'ring, wreathing train of light. Far-seeing Celesta traced his rapid flight. Until she heard low sounding from afar, The faint, sweet ringing of a silver bar ; PLEASANT LEGENDS. 11 Ami saw a great white gate yield to his passing form, Then silent shut upon its clear gold hinges turn. But once when the great sun like a grim god. Supine tossed on the Western ocean broad, In wrath splashing his gleaming fire afar, Till the divine denieanor'd evening star Like a strangely sweet half pla3d'ul nymph in love. Smiling shook out her wild gold hair above The yellow hills, down from the bended heavens came The sweet-eyed Barthus riding on a wreathing flame ! Sandals of gold were braided to his feet, And swan-white raiment, lustrous, pure, and sweet. Fell gracefully from his shoulders white and round. And flowed in folds of light toward the ground. Crowned were his clust'ring locks that wanton rolled About his neck like coils of melted gold ; But all unheeded was the beauty of his form. When his impassion'd harp gave forth its magic charm. Down by the wide gates of the purple sea W^ith her he sat alone, where wild and free The spicy evening gales sped laughing by ; And the wild stars were kindling in the sky. When o'er the flaming chords he threw^ his hand, And woke a deep song of the Better Land, Where sorrow, pain, and death are feared and felt no more, And joy ecstatic drowns thoughts of the pains of yore. And of a Holy City with bright walls he sung. Sitting in light the amber clouds among. With gates of pearl, and glass-clear golden streets, And breezy bowers flUed with flow'ry sweets. 12 PLEASANT LEGENDS. That never fading cluster on the margins of The pure, bright river-tide of Life and Love, That flows where neither sun nor moon have need to shine. But all walk in the glory of the Lamb Divine. And of a country glorious, green and fair. And breathed upon by pure, Elysian air. Where angels walk in love by peaceful streams, That softly purl like sounds in Summer dreams ; And wild aerial music floats along, Each living slope blent with tlie seraph's song ; Where guileless souls commune with angels sweet and fair. Wearing bright crowns of gold in joy and gladness there. With far-oft', dreamy notes the deep lay closed. And loved Celesta's cheek softly reposed Upon his heart as if she dreaming lay. Dreaming deep dreams of beauty far away 1 But soon her lips grew pale — oh, it was death ! Without a sigh she breathed her parting breath : Her soft blue eyes were closed to sleep forever more ; And her freed soul prepared to greet the shining shore ! And two immortal bodies, heavenly fair, On glittering wings rose singing in the air : He clasp'd her in his arms with sinless pride. And joyfully bore oft" his radiant bride, To that sweet land which oft he'd told her of, Where all is joy, and harmony, and love : Where Life's bright river laves her shores of burnished gold. And souls remember not the miseries of old ! A many a sun has rose and set in gold On that sweet island of the ocean old. PLEASANT LEGENDS. 13 Since there in love sainted Celesta strayed, Where now her earthly frame lies all decayed, But where an ancient clifl''s dark shadows fall, A marble spire stands weird, and white, and tall, Unto this day, deep carved with legendary lore, That her strange life might be forgotten never more. THE LEGEND OF ALVIK AND MYRA. Come, Heavenly Muse, delightful wanderer, come. Through unknown realms no longer silent roam. But while the soulful Even pensive reigns O'er seas, and hills, and vales, and verdant plains. Tune thy wild lyre to notes so soft and deep, That youths will sigh and lovelorn maidens weep At each sad closing strain. It was when first The soul of Right oppressed began to thirst For tyrants' blood in her own garden land, (While Freedom blessed goddess whet the brand ! ) That Alvin brave and Myra gay in youth, Sought the Elysium of Love and Truth. Over the amber-girdled hills of Morn With joyous smile, came forth the day, new-born, Proud plumed with gold, when Alvin bid adieu To her to whom his heart was ever true. And with the love-tear twinkling in his eye. Went forth for her and home to do or die The cool, dim world was still ; tlie wild winds bound Within their rocky cells ; the velvet ground 14 PLEASANT LKGENl)c<. Was sparkling with the cold, bright tears of night. When Myra, in the setting moon's pfele light. By the dark river stood, 'neath spangled skies Alone, with broken heart and streaming eyes. Complaining thus to the weird silence there. And the wild spirit of the midnight air ; "Alas, he cometh not, he cometh not, how sad ! Surely my Alvin slumbers with the dead ! Have I not watching seen the day die out In the red West, where now the moon doth float A-low, and yet he cometh not ! Ah me, I would that I were in Eternity ! Give way, ye golden gates ! I come, I come To dwell with him where parting is unknown !'" So saying from her belt a blade she drew Of silver wrought, and pierced her poor heart through And while her curdling blood ran fast and red. Her soft blue eyes she closed among the dead ; And Alvin speeding down the river home. Heard from the shore his Myra's dying groan, And thither ran his boat, and found distressed. The heart-blood oozing from his dear one's breast. He knew it all, the sad, sad story of her fate. And as he wept he said, "Too late, too late ! " A moment by her side he trembling stood, Then gently raised her from her couch of blood. And frantic laid her in his boat's deep prow, And pushed a-wave with pale and swollen brow, And with the seathing tide glid dolefully on, Like a dim spectre in the night ! PLEASANT LEGENDS. 15 The moon Was down, and nought but wild stars in the skv. ^.Lighting the way of his love's soul on high ! ) When grief-worn Alvin bore the dead a-shore, And sank with grief down at his cottage door. He clasped his hands in deep distress, his eyes Half vacant fixed on the far midnight skies — One moment still — then burst his woe a-wild, And thus his soul from hope and peace exiled Bleeding complained : "O Myra, Myra, dear ! .Joy of my youth, hope of each early 3"ear, Heartbroken thou hast sulferVi death for me. And I in fond return will die for thee !" So saying from her bosom fair he drew The knife all dripping with her blood so true, And plunged it through his own sad heart and cried. ''O Death ! thy waves no longer shall divide Our fond twin souls ! On a celestial shore We're meeting, Myra dear, to part no more ; Welcome thy groom, my angel bride !" Thus said. He lay upon her breast silent and dead, Mingling his blood with hers! When the blest Day Led tbrth by incense-breatbing Morn so gay, Bright in her zonoless saffron mantle clad, Made vales, and plains, and steepy mountains glad. Sad hearts mourned o'er them there, and when The tender Moon looked down from Heaven again, She bowed her head upon her cold, white throne. And wept above their graves so still and lone ; And even yet her tears are known to flow. At this sad legend of a hundred years ago ! 16 PLEASANT LEGENDS. UNDER THE LINDE3S" TREES. A MAY LEGEND. These beautiful days so long and bright, So full of music and fond delight, Recall to the youthful poet's mind, A story his heart has long enshrined. A parent kind in the years of yore, Delighted in telling it o'er and o'er; It happen'd beyond the Eastern seas, Under the shadow of linden trees. She dwelt in England's proudest halls Where the light of genius lit the walls ; Where harp, and lute, in the pillar'd shade, Rang to the praise of this high-born maid ; For fair she was as the angels are. And minstrels called her the "Castle Star," And many an earl, and duke, and knight, Sought her hand and heart in wild delight. But ever her lute in dreamy lay. Sang of a loved one far away ; And the shoreward gaze of her sweet dark eyes. Seemed to say her heart was over the seas ! Even so it was — and she did yearn Alone for her warrior's glad return ; ' For she on that day was to wedded be Under the boughs of the linden tree. How strong is the love of a human soul. When the ripples of song through the spirit roll, PLEASANT LEGENDS. 17 And poesy tinges our visions with gold, And fills the young heart with joy untold ! 80 'twas with her — -from her childhood years She had heen a heing of sudden tears, Of sudden smiles, and passionate dreams ; Quick light and shade — celestial gleams ! Her heart was a lyre of ethereal sound, Just waiting the touch of the breeze unbound ! And oft had she stilled the wild, proud dance, And fixed bright eyes in a wonder-trance. While her fervent lute in its melting flame. Won her beautiful brow the laurels of fame. Such was this high-born English maid, She of the souls' quick light and sliade. But the sword is sheathed o'er the conquered Dane; Victorious galleys plough the main; And their oar-sjiray bathes the English shore, For the true and brave are home once more ! And cymbal, and clarion, harp, and voice. In one mingled stream of sound rejoice, While England's beautiful daughters smile. To welcome the brave to their native isle ; And fairest and brightest of all this day. Clad in her snow-white bridal array, (^omes she of the soul's quick light and shade, Among ten thousand the fairest maid! With the lute he loved in bright days gone, To welcome her gallant bridegroom home: And her voice grows proud when the thrill (^f fame Gives a double sweetness to his name ! She comes with her woman's faith strong and bright. 18 PLEASANT LEGENDS. And a bosom filled witli hope and light ; And her heart melts as the soft May breeze Rustles the leaves of tlie linden trees ! But the boat of her lover has touched the shore, And all with her forever is o'er ! Whom leads he forth with a step of pride ? Lo ! his eyes turn fond on a foreign bride ! And the poor forsaken, so true and sweet, Trembling fell dead at her rival's feet. And her dying moan on the warm May breeze Went sadly up through the linden trees ! THE BRIDE OF THE SIERRAS. Have you heard the mournful story Of the bride of the Sierras, In the vale of Aganotha, That to me forever dear is ? 'T was in Autumn's time of yellow. When the days are long and mellow, That I met my Indian love. Where the hemlocks bent above, On a slope of the Sierras, That to me forever dear is. Lovely maiden was my Alvah, Fairest on the pine-crowned mountains. And her voice was like the murmur, Of a hundred pleasant fountains. PLEASANT LEGENDS. 19 As I led her down the hillside, Gently to the valley rillside, Where her father's wigwam stood, In the shadow of a wood, Near a lake of the Sierras, That to me forever dear is. When reposing near the eljieftain. By the rill of limpid water, There I told him all the story. How I'd loved his heauteous daughter. All the long and lovel}' Summer, All the blissful, passionate Summer! And I now implored her hand Till we'd join the spirit-band. Far beyond the reach of sorrow. In the land of the To-morrow. He a moment looked about him ; Threw an arrow in the water ; Then he said no roving paleface E'er should wed his lovely daughter. Then sweet Alvah sank down weeping, With her hair her hot tears seaping, And I too looked forth with tears, To the future's lonely 3'ears, And I loathed this land of sorn^w. Longing for the bright To-morrow. Then the chieftain's lovely daughter Rose and stately sto(Kl before him ; And I saw as he looked at her That a gloom was spreading o'er him ; 20 PLEASANT liBftENDS. But he yet withheld the arrow To throw hack in sign of sorrow. Then she drew a flaming knife, Saying, "I am sick of life, If I may not wed my lover I'm the bride of the Forever !" But he caught the thirsty weapon Ere it reached her throbbing bosom, And I saw that he was troubled For his lovely forest blossom ; And he quickly drew an arrow Cast it back in sign of sorrow : Then he said, "My fair child, tell. If thou knowest not too well, Thou art promised to Wakana, To the eagle-eyed Wakana ? He is fleetest on the mountains: His canoe jiies on the water ; He is fearless in the battle : Wed Wakana, my daughter ! But she cried, "Give me my lover. Or I wed the strange Forever!" And she shuddered in her pain, And her tears ran down like rain. For she loved not young Wakana, E'en the eagle-eyed Wakana. Then her father looked about him. For his heart was smit with sorrow, And he answered, "If it must be PLEASANT LEGENDS. 21 Ye shall wedded be to-morrow!" Then her heart began to lighten, And her lovely face to brighten, And she kissed her father's cheek, With sweet lips too glad to speak ; And her dark eyes turned to Heaven For the peace within her given. In the vale of Aganotha Soon the lone night spread the shadow ; And the moonbeams pale lay rocking On the long grass of the meado\^^ But all night I heard a moaning, A low, sad, and solemn moaning, Like the wail of troubled love. Seeming in the air above. And I said, "It is a token That a heart will yet be broken !" O'er the east hills rose the Morning On her wings so pure and golden. And the world teemed witli the rapture Of the passion sweet and olden ; For the wild birds all were singing, And the hills and valleys ringing. When I led my Indian bride Downward to the green lakeside. Where the water's gladsome quiver Seemed to say, "Ye're one forever." In the shadow of an oak tree, On the shore of the clear lakelet, 22 PLEASANT LEGENDS. Did they place us, and laid gently On our brows the beaded circlet. We exchanged our strings of waiupuni. Strings of highly polished wampum : And they loosed the bridal dove, To bear tidings far above, To the loved beyond the river, On the shores of the Forever ! When we rose and stood together To receive the heart-felt blessing, . From the near, the dear, and tender. But we heard an arrow passing! Passing near us, very near us, And a moment more my dearest. Sank to earth with all her love. And her spirit with the dove. Crossed the cold, white, silent river To the land of the Forever ! And at falling of the even, In that valley lone, yet lovely. When a storm was on the mountains, And the clouds were dark above me. And the heavy-liearted thunder Smote the mighty clouds asunder, I my lovely Alvab laid In the low land of the dead ! And my tears ran like a river For the bride of the Forever ! And I cursed the dark Wakana, The revengeful wretch Wakana, PLEASANT LEGENDS. 23 Though his corpse lay cold and bloody On the sands of lake Chawana ! And a willow green I planted By the long grave of the sainted, That it ne'er might be denied Where I laid my Indian bride, In that vale of the Sierras, That to me forever dear is. And thougli now I own another To my bos(^m very dear is, I shall ne'er forget that loved one Sleeping in the far Sierras ! As I speak a rapture thrills me, And a guardian spirit tells me, When a few more days are past, I shall meet her mid the Blest, Far beyond the mystic river. In the bright and sweet Forever ! ALVAR AND OR A. A SCOTTISH IDYL. Beyond the crown of dark, grim Ben Na Oarr The weary sun had just sunk down to rest, And cool within the west wind's gates afar The red heart throbbing madly in his breast. The evening star, clad in her yellow vest. Smiled as he fondly twined her long light liair, And being by his lips of amber kiss'd 24 PLEASANT LEGENDS. ?50uglit her gold throne and reign'd in beauty there, When side by side Alvar and Ora strayed, A brave and noble youth, a fair and blooming maid. Alvar — ^death had no terrors feared by him ! A hero's heart was his from earliest youth ; His form was tall, of round and sinewy limb, His dauntless eyes were dark and full of truth. (3ra might have been called the queen of Earth, 80 fair she was, so angel-like and sweet : Thoughtful her eye, yet cui-led her lip with mirth. And liglit as air tlie falling of her feet: Her cheeks were rosy as a summer dawn ; Her brow was like the snow, her bosom like the swan. Along the dewy steep they bent their way. Where merl and mavis poured their mellow lays, (Tazing upon the lake which 'neath them lay. So still, dim glimmering through the twilight haze. They talked of love and truth's unchanging ways ; Of virtue born to live when time is done : Then stayed their steps upon a breezy raise. Far out upon the hillside all alone, And there while cooed yet one sweet wakeful dove. They sank in other's arms and pledged their hearts in love. 'T was springtime — all the vale was fresh and green As Eden's bosom when first seen by man ; The hills looked proud, with deep, dark glens between, Down whose green straths a many a fountain ran. Just where a long and fertile slope begins Old Pibor's ivy-girdled turrets rose ; There dwelt the chief of the Glenronald clan, PLEASANT LEGENDS. : Fierce as the storm that from the North pole hlows! 'Twas Alvar's home — he with liis father dwelt, And like him wore with pride the sahle plume and belt. The grooving sound of revelry rolled through, Like a wild storm those ancient vaulted halls ; Music pealed loud and quick, and swift feet Hew Till lance and spear thrilled on the bannerM walls. Sweet eyes looked tenderly on eyes that gave Back tokens of response in flashes bright ; For there were gather'd all the fair and brave That loyal were to Pibor's noble knight — All, all weiv there except the gallant groom. His face had not been seen after the hour of noon. Tlie sun was well nigh down. The bride looked sad. -Vnd tears began to pearl her sw^eet blue eyes ; From guest to guest the new-caught panic spread. And music glad gave place to mournful cries. "Fly, fly o'er all Glengloamin's hazelly leas, The lord of Pibor cried at set of sun, Surely some sad mishap hath sealed his eyes, Or long ere this my Alvar would have come !" They flew — they eager searched till end of light. But x\lvar young and brave was still a missing knight. So it was dark, and slumber'd all the flocks ; And then began the moon so wild and sweet, 'J'o braid by clear Loch-leal her silver locks, And in the water bathe her swany feet. Thither they went to search by her soft light. And there the youthful Avarrior bleedina; lav Upon the cold, red sand, a piteous sight. 26 ■ PLEASANT LEGENDS. His wounded bosom batlied with cliilly spray. Slow waB his pulse, the death-dew dampt his face. And he Avas sinking fast into the tomb's embrace! Cold by his side a lowland Douglas slept, Slept where he groaning fell and dying bled ; His mighty axe though by the white waves la]»ped. Still with a Imndred heroes' blood was red ! (irently they bore the wounded Alvar home, And gave him to his wildly weeping bride ; While his stern tather through the hazels' gloom. Dragged the great Douglas after liini with pride; And at his castle door arrived he tore The vestment off the huge breast black with curdled gore. And o})en\l the red pit of life, and took The bruised heart from its lurking place, And with a savage hand and demon's look C'ast it unto his lank hounds of the chase! Then dipped his finger in the rich red blood That gathered in the hollow of the breast, And ran and wrote with eyes flaming and proud, His sf)n's n;ime o'er his downy couch of rest! And when returned, fierce fiames began to flash, And feed the winds the stench of burning human flesh ! Slowly the weary Summer rolled along; As slowly Alvar's strengtli returned to him : But when sere Autumn wailed the hills among. He was restored fully in every limb; And with his brother Selma on the hills Slaughter 'd the speckled grouse and spotted roe ; PLEASANT LE(iEM)S. And later through the long, dark highlaud vale?* Poured war's red flood on thousands down holow, Revengeful for the blood which he had lost, l\v tlie stern leader of the mightiest lowland liost. But by and by the Spring returned again. With sunn}' skies and blossoms for the i)ea ; Softly the cuckoo poured her simple strain, And fountains leaped along each highland lea. And one sweet even, when the round full moon, With merry smile danced in a Imndred rills, Alvar and Ora in the mellow gloom, Strayed out along the slope of dewy hills. Till on a jutting clitf they sat them down, Tiider the holy heavens' Are liestudded crown. He showed her to the vale where Loch-leal lies. Far down, faint glimmering through the sable gloom : Then pointed her up to the starry skies. Where happy aye the blest ones have their home. Her silken curls lay tawny on his breast ; Her eyes upturned to his with melting ray ; When lo ! by some dark hidden hand being cast, A well directed arrow sped its way, And from her neck his fond arms fell apart, Tlie shaft was in liis brain, the ound down in prison dark and drear! "They bore me here from walled Belgrade, VV^here I was a poor prisoner made, When Turk and Christian met to bleed. Each hero for his native creed. And now you know, lady fair, My history, and why I'm here Pouring like rain the soul's dee|» tear," She looked on him, her eye grew dim. With gracious i>ity's holy dew. And softly said, with drooping head 32 PLEASANT T,EGENDS. And burning cheeks of crimson hue, The bloom of love, "O gentle youth. For thee my heart is filled with ruth , And I ere long will set thee free. And risk my life for love and thee. If I dare hope my heart in time May find a sweet response in thine !" iSTight threw her sable mantle o'er The Black Sea's hollow-sounding shore ; The night wind blew, the lightning fiash'd. The thunder rolled, the waters dashed. When to his cell the princess came. In garb that knew no diamond's flame, And with her own soft, tiny hands Loosed from his limbs the heavy bands. Saying, "dear youth, I come to prove My words of pity and of love ! And now my hands do set thee free ; But I must fly for life with thee Unto the far-otf Christian land, Hoping thou 'It ever love me, and Thy people may my people be Henceforth to all eternity ; Or, if escape cannot be made, T '11 sink with thee among the dead 1" He sprang out of the drear confine Of clanking links with eager start, Aud caught her to his grateful heart, And said, "Sweet girl thou art divine /" And kissed her o'er and o'er again. The while his tears ran down like rain ! PLEASANT LEGENDS. 33 Tie said for many a pleasant year They lived and loved, nor knew a tear, They lived and loved where roses blow By Thames' blue waters soft and slow, The humble Knight of AValsinggrove, And his high-born imperial love I And now a costly monument Of sculptur'd marble gleaming white Beneath the wild, sweet Summer light. Where royal flow'rs the breezes scent, Stands high the resting place to prove Of Rudolph and his Eastern love : Close side by side in one grave deeji They take their everlasting sleep. DELZA'S LEAF A POKM AFTER THK STYLE OK ULLA, OR THE ABJURATION, BY MRS. HRMA.VS. Beyond Mt. Etna's burning crown. That thousands so admire, The king of day had just sunk down. Upon his couch of fire. Oh, come to me, do come to me I arise thee from thy sleep I Oh, come, love, to rny arms from out the mournf'ly sonndini. deep ! I do not dread thy hollow eye, nor thy white houy br