For us the stream of fiction ceased to flow, 25 For us the voice of melody was mute: But as soft gales dissolve the dreary snow, And give the timid herbage leave to shoot, Heaven's breathing spirit failed not to bestow Its timely influence--promising fair fruit 30 Of pensive pleasure and serene content, From blossoms wild of fancies innocent. It soothed us--it beguiled us--then, to hear Once more of troubles wrought by magic spell, And griefs whose aery motion comes not near 35 The pangs that tempt the spirit to rebel; Then, with mild Una in her sober cheer, High over hill and low adown the dell Again we wandered, willing to partake All that she suffered for her dear Lord's sake. 40 * * * * * Then, too, this Song _of mine_ once more could please, Where anguish, strange as dreams of restless sleep, Is tempered and allayed by sympathies Aloft ascending, and descending deep, Even to the inferior Kinds; whom forest-trees 45 Protect from beating sunbeams, and the sweep Of the sharp winds;--fair Creatures!--to whom Heaven A calm and sinless life, with love, hath given. * * * * * This tragic story cheered us, for it speaks Of female patience winning firm repose, 50 And of the high reward which conscience seeks A bright encouraging example shows; Needful when o'er wide realms the tempest breaks, Needful amid life's ordinary woes;-- A tale which now, dear helpmate, I present 55 To thee and to the world with pure intent.[T] He serves the Muses erringly and ill, Whose aim is pleasure light and fugitive: O, that my mind were equal to fulfil The comprehensive mandate which they give-- 60 Vain aspiration of an earnest will! Yet in this moral Strain a power may live, Belovèd Wife! such solace to impart, As it hath yielded to thy tender heart. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote S: Another version of this stanza follows:-- But like a wreath, composed of bud and bell, Spring's flowery garland, in a whirlwind caught, Or like the warblings of a sea-nymph's shell When the distempered air with storms is fraught; Those pleasures vanished from our rustic cell, And we by lamentable change were taught That bliss with mortal man may not abide, How nearly joy and sorrow are allied! ED. ] [Footnote T: Two variations of the last couplet follow in the MS.:-- And therefore not unfitted to impress On happier hours a holier happiness. Hence, not for those unfitted who would bless A happy hour with holier happiness. ED. ] ARTEGAL AND ELIDURE (SEE THE CHRONICLE OF GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTH AND MILTON'S HISTORY OF ENGLAND) Composed 1815.--Published 1820