To An Absent Wife

'Tis mom ! the sea breeze seems to bring Joy, health and freshness 011 lts wihr - Bright flowers, to me all strange and new, Are glittering in the very dew - And perfumes rise from 'everv grove, As incensé to the clouds t luit move Like spirits o'er yon weikin clear - But I ain sad- thou art not here. 'Tis noon ! a calm, unbroken sleep Is ou the blue waves of the deep ; A soft haze like a fair y dream, Ia floating over wood and ■treáfa ; And may a broad, magnolia fiower, Within its shady, woodland bower, Is gleaming like a lovely star - But I am sad - thou art afar. 'Tis eve ! on earth the sunset skies Are painhng their own Eden eyes - The stars come down and trembling glo.w Like blossoms in the waves below ; And like sonie uuseen spirit, the breeze Seems lingermg 'mid the orange trees, Breathing its music round the spot - But I am sad - I see thee not. 'Tis midnight ! with a soothing spell, The far toues of the ocean swell, Soft as a mothei's cadenee mild, Low bonding o'er hor sleeping child ; And on each wandeling breeze are heard The rich notes of the mocking bird, In many a wild and woüdrous lay - But I am sad - thou art away. I sink in dreums, low, sweet and clear, Thy own dear voice is in my ear - Around my neok thy tresses twine - Thy own loved hand is clasped in mine - Thy own soft lip to mine is pressed - Thy hond is pillowed on my breast - Oh ! I have all my heart holds dear- And I am happy - thou art here.