Three Sonnets

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THREE SONNETS. BY ALFRED LAMBOURNE.

I.

LONGFELLOW'S TOMB.

Serene, the marble stands where bright the glade Ends at the thick grove's edge; and one tall tree Leans, with a stately grace and limbs all free, To throw upon the resting place a shade. And in a dell, beneath the oaks arcade, We the pale gleam of stilly waters see; And by the tomb, of all our thoughts the key, The fleur-de-lis in order sweet arrayed. How like is this unto the poet's lays! How like the thoughts within that deep soil grown — 'The poet's heart that joy and sorrow weighs How like his life as through the muses shown! — .AH tranquil bright, and golden, halcyon days Made solemn by death's changeless undertone.

II.

THE MYSTERY OF MATTER.

I matter love for that which breathes it through, The palpable to sense of touch and sight. Filled with a beauty of the power of light, Substance made token by its form and hue. I matter fear for that which power it drew,

The deadly hates that at love's being smite. The subtle poison that the pure can blight, 0, rivals meeting on life's avenue!

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THREE SONNETS. 769

This blameless soil opposing force will sow, The butterfly and serpent share this clod, Roses and lilies, tares and thistles grow, Evil and good emerge from this dull sod; Therein we may the Prince of Darkness know. And who dares limit how we shall see God!

III.

A BEETHOVEN SONATA.

Life and its passions through these charmed notes run. Of human change the ever-shifting scale, Love rapture-flushed, and melancholy, pale, Romance and fantasies therein are spun The tread of dancer's neath the watchful sun; Dull tones like sombre crape our ears assail, The muffled drum, the clarionet's shrill wail. And changeless nature when life's dream is done. Of sorrow's cup, he the dregs did taste. Who heard afar these harmonies that wake; Upon his love and hope, fate put the ban; His wine of life, disparagement did waste; In silence wrought he, felt his own heart break. To stir the deeps within the soul of man.