The Legendary and Poetical Remains of John Roby Part 10

THE FIRST REVELATION.

Suggested by the story of a child, whose father, an educated man, but an infidel, if not an atheist, had not allowed him to receive any religious culture. Being one day reproved by a friend for using profane language, on the ground that it was displeasing to G.o.d, he enquired who was meant.

He instantly apprehended with delight all that was told him of the nature and attributes of the Supreme Being, as if the idea had been latent in his mind, until thus called forth into recognised existence.

Shadows o'er the infant mind, Floating dimly undefin'd Like a picture scarce design'd.

Melody but half express'd, Inarticulate at best, Haunting ever that young breast.

But the magic word is spoken, And the shades of night are broken, And by that same l.u.s.trous token.

"G.o.d THE MIGHTY ONE," now near, Memnon music on the ear Falls articulate and clear.

And the day of life begun By the newly risen sun, In that light its paths are run.

Even so, when G.o.d reveal'd To the eye by Death unseal'd, Shall completed being yield,

Will the shadows which now lie, As dim portents to the eye, From the spirit's vision fly.

And the mystic sounds and sweet, Which the untaught ear oft greet, Shall a lucid tale repeat.

And mysterious spirit-life-- Past its agony and strife-- Be with seven-fold Glory rife.

1848.

AN EVENING HYMN.

Faint falls the twilight dim, Woods, waves, their ev'ning hymn Murmur to Thee.

One pale star ocean seeks, One waveless glimmer breaks O'er that lone sea.

Softly the pa.s.sing gale, Sighs like love's parting tale, Whispers not words.

Clouds come not o'er that night, Stars burn with purer light Than earth affords.

Come, Night, around this breast, Thy soothing dreamy rest Waft o'er my soul; While thoughts of heav'nly birth, Untouch'd by aught of earth, Undimm'd may roll.--

Then like yon star may we Meet death's calm silent sea, Setting to rise.

Bright'ning still while we sink, On that dread ocean brink, To other skies!

THE DUKE OF MANTUA.

A Tragedy.

DRAMATIS PERSONae.

MEN

ANDREA, _Duke of Mantua_.

RIDOLFI, _the Duke's Foster-brother_.

CARLOS, _in love with Hermione_.

BERTRAND, _Friend to Carlos_.

FABIAN, } _Pages attending on the Duke_.

SYLVIO, }

GIULIO, _a Minstrel attending on Carlos_.

STEPHANO, } _Servants to Ridolfi_.

ROLAND, }

_Priest_.

_Grave-Digger_.

_Citizens of Mantua_.

WOMEN

BEATRICE, _d.u.c.h.ess of Mantua_.

HERMIONE, _Cousin to Ridolfi_.

LAURA, _Sister to Ridolfi_.

ZORAYDA, _a Gipsy_.

BLANCH, _Servant to Hermione_.

_Guards, Soldiers, &c_.

_Scene--Mantua._