Were there e'en at his side! The terror-stricken slave was mute- E'en could he ask it-so he deemed, And the poor boy half lifeless seemed. Speechless, bewildered-for a space "You, señor," said the trembling slave. "What you to others said." "And more than heard," in kinder tone, The painter said; "'tis plainly shown That you have profited. "What (to his pupils) is his mead? Reward or punishment?" "Reward, reward!" they warmly cried, (Sebastian's ear was bent To catch the sound he scarce believed, But with imploring looks received.) "What shall it be?" They spoke of gold And of a splendid dress; But still unmoved Sebastian stood, Silent and motionless. "Speak!" said Murillo, kindly, "choose Your own reward-what shall it be? Name what you wish, I'll not refuse: Then speak at once and fearlessly." "Oh! if I dared!" Sebastian knelt, And feelings he could not control, (But feared to utter even then) With strong emotion, shook his soul. "Courage!" his master said, and each Essayed, in kind, half-whispered speech, To soothe his overpow'ring dread. He scarcely heard, till some one said, "Sebastian-ask-you have your choice, Ask for your freedom." At the word, The suppliant strove to raise his voice: At first but stifled sobs were heard, And then his prayer-breathed fervently"O master, make my father free!" "Him and thyself, my noble boy!" Warmly the painter cried; Raising Sebastian from his feet, Still be thou mine by other bonds— Murillo knew, e'en when the words To fame that would his own eclipse; Long Life. OUNT not thy life by calendars; for Years shall pass thee by unheeded, whilst an hour Some little fleeting hour, too quickly past May stamp itself so deeply on thy brain, Thy latest years shall live upon its joy. His life is longest, not whose boneless gums, Sunk eyes, wan cheeks, and snow-white hairs bespeak Is thickest set with those delicious scenes 'Tis sweet to ponder o'er when even falls. Reveries at a Mother's Grave. HE trembling dew-drops fall Upon the shutting flowers-like souls at rest; The stars shine gloriously-and all, Save me, is blest. Mother! I love thy grave! The violet, with the blossom blue and mild, Waves o'er thy head-when shall it wave Above thy child? 'Tis a sweet flower-yet must Its bright leaves to the coming tempest bow, Dear mother-'tis thine emblem-dust Is on thy brow! And I could love to die To leave untasted life's dark, bitter streams, By thee, as erst in childhood lie, And share thy dreams. And must I linger here To stain the plumage of my sinless years, And mourn the hopes of childhood dear With bitter tears? Aye-must I linger here, A lonely branch upon a blasted tree, Whose last frail leaf, untimely sere, Went down with thee? Oft from life's withered bower, In still communion with the past I turn And muse on thee, the only flower In memory's urn. And, when the evening pale Bows like a mourner on the dim, blue wave, I stray to hear the night winds wail Around thy grave. Why is thy spirit flown? I gaze above thy look is imaged there I listen, and thy gentle tone Is on the air. Oh, come while here I press My brow upon thy grave and, in those mild And thrilling tones of tenderness, Bless, bless thy child! Yes, bless thy weeping child, And o'er thy urn-religion's holiest shrineOh, give his spirit undefiled. To blend with thine. |