The Border Magazine (Volume 2)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1833. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... TEN YEARS AGO! Written in a Young Lady's Album. BY DELLA CRUSCA. I'm twenty-two--I'm twenty-two-- And yet my spirit strays In visions still, amid the light Of long lost yesterdays! I. Ten years ago--ten years ago-- As o er this page I've written, -- My hands ne'er knew the luxury Of either glove or mitten. For I was then a reckless boy, Just entering on eleven, With a heart as full of wild delight As the fitful breeze of heaven That sports among the panting flowers, And through the forest trees, Performing in its wayward mirth A thousand gallantries! II. Ten years ago--ten years ago-- I raced the moon in pride As she career'd 'mid drifting clouds Through heaven's etherial tide; And when she spread her wings of light Across the silent sea, O what a lovely mystery Her beauty was to me! I've known the tears steal from my heart And gush out from mine eyes, Because I could not sail with her In radiance through the skies! III. Ten years ago--ten years ago-- I thought the winds blew out The shining stars, when through the clouds They boom'd with frantic shout, For then the heavens appear'd to me A spangled dome of blue, Round which the crystal lamps of God Their lucid glories threw ! Alas! that knowledge e'er should crush, Or make our pleasures less, For who can help but deeply love Such ignorance as this! IV. Ten years ago--ten years ago-- I lived within a land Where youthful hope is fond to clasp Delusion by the hand !-- Where fancy's spurious coinage Is pass'd for solid truth, While no suspicion of the cheat Can reach the heart of youth: And yet the happiness I knew Was no delusion then, For I hare long'd ten thousand times To be a boy again ! CONVICTION. And Nathan aaid to David, Thou art the man.--2 Sam. xii. 7. In my travels through and about a mile ...