The evening sky is bright with blended hues; A soft, mild radiance, borrowed from on high, Seems, to our view, to bring e’en heaven nigh, And its pure essence in our souls infuse. Thus, to that noble heart, as from the sky, There came a presence, in life’s slow decline; He viewed it as a holy seal and sign— The Cross must crown the city of the Jews! Like the pure incense-flame he soars from earth; In fancy sees the prophet’s page unroll, And reads therein the presage of his birth, The mighty mission of his single soul! Life’s pathway bears for him a healing balm, Which cheers his heart and nerves his fainting arm. XII.—THE DEATH OF COLUMBUS. He cometh to the shore of that vast sea,[5] Whereon he never yet hath spread his sail; His last, last voyage. Now every chart must fail, Save that, our Father! he received of Thee! With an unwavering trust he meets the wave, Which bears him onward to the dread unknown; From man’s injustice to that mighty Throne, Supreme in power, Omnipotent to save. Ah! ne’er from that far land shall he return! His dust shall mingle with his mother-earth In that fair isle to which his skill gave birth.[6] That mighty soul! where doth it “breathe and burn?” What worlds hath it discerned beyond the tomb, Which to our eyes are all enwrapped in gloom? ----- [5] “The shore Of that vast ocean we must sail so soon.” [6] The remains of Columbus were deposited in the convent of St. Francisco, but repeatedly removed, and, finally, on the 15th January, 1796, transferred, with almost regal pomp, to the island of Cuba. * * * * * TO A FRIEND—WITH A BUNCH OF ROSES. BY MISS L. VIRGINIA SMITH. Go forth in beauty blushing to the one I love so well— Let this dewy fragrance gushing to his spirit softly tell How a secret, sweet revealing from a gentle kindred heart, Far through his bosom stealing, comes to seek its nobler part. Oh! there’s not a spell so glowing in this lovely world of ours, As when Feeling’s tones are flowing through the voices of the flowers, When Affection’s thoughts are wreathing in a murmured melody Round their dewy petals breathing forth a music-mystery. There are angel voices given in their delicate perfume, Which will lead us up to Heaven where the fadeless roses bloom, They have come unto us glowing with a beauty from the skies, They are gifts of God’s bestowing, from a blessed Paradise.