Ossian Collection > Aspects of poetry

XII.] ' THE WHITE DOE OF RYLSTONE.'
Is the river murmuring near.
—When soft !— the dusky trees between,
And down the path through the open green,
Where is no living thing to be seen ;
And through yon gateway where is found,
Beneath the arch with ivy bound,
Free entrance to the churchyard ground.
And right across the verdant sod
Towards the very house of God ;
—Comes gliding in with lovely gleam,
Comes gliding in, serene and slow.
Soft and silent as a dream,
A solitary doe !
White she is as lily of June,
And beauteous as the silver moon,
When out of sight the clouds are driven.
And she is left alone in heaven ;
Or like a ship some gentle day
In sunshine sailing far away,
A glittering ship, that hath the plain
Of ocean for her own domain.
Lie silent in your graves, ye dead !
Lie quiet in your churchyard bed !
Ye living, tend your holy cares ;
Ye multitude, pursue your prayers ;
And blame not me if my heart and sight
Are occupied with one delight !
Tis a work for Sabbath hours
If I with this bright creature go :
Whether she be of forest bowers.
From the bowers of earth below ;
Or a spirit, for one day given,
A gift of grace from purest heaven.
What harmonious pensive changes
Wait upon her as she ranges
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