Spirits

[Of tliis gracaful and truly imaginative poem, the greatest of all American critics and poets, Edgar Allen Poe, has very justly said " it is the iruest poem ever writteu by Mr. Willis."] 'i he shadowi lay along Broadway 1 Twas near the {wjHgbt tide, And slowjy there a lady fair Was walking in her pride. Alone walked she, yet viewlessly Walked spirits by horside. Peace cbarmed the street beneath her feet, While Ilynor ohanned tlie air; Aiul ;ill istir looked kind on her And ealled lier góbd as fair - For al; God ever gave to her She kept with chary care. She kept with care lier beauties rare From lovers warm and true, I'or her heart was cold lo all but gold, Amï the rich carne not to woo. Ah, honored well are eharms to sell Wheu priests the selling do ! Now walking tliere was one more fair- A slight giil, lily-pale, And e;he had nnseen company To make the spirit quail - 1 Twixt want and scorn slie walked forlorn And nothing coüld avail. No merey now can c'ear her brow For Üiis world's peace to pray - For, as love's wild prayer dissolved in air Her woman's heart gave way : And the sin forgiven tiy Ciirist in Heaven By man is cnrsed alway.