The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1830-10-16
Selected for Me Sar-8y Correspondent
WERS OF POETRY.

We may animate the canvass with the
features of one we love I'VE may cast
upon the changeless brow, the .calm sun
shine of her gentle nature we may elicit
from the expressive eye, the speechless
tenderness Of a con6ding affection I; we
may curl around the lip the smiling pled-
ges of reciprocal fondness we may
spread behind her glowing cheek, the
richness of her flowing tresses we may
cast around the symetry Of her form, the
waving soi,ness of her graceful drapery !;
and we may give her the air in which ro-
frantic devotion ever beholds the angel Of
its vows. We may represent, near at
hand, the favorite glen in which we stray
ed-the moon-lit arbor, in which we sung
the sivery lake on which we sailed
We may look on this representation of
life and nature, and deem it reality. We
may gaze till bcwildered sense reels in
rapture. But look again, the floating Vi
sion becomes more calm, the associations
less vivid, the tumult in our breast SUBJ
sides. But look again, here and there
new shade may be developed, here and
there an unfamiliar expression be caught
But look again, it Is what you have seen
before it is changeless-it is cold tapes
try
But give this glowing subject to the
poet, surrender it to the magic of his gen
ius. The chsngeless object lives the
motionless object moves the silent OBJ
ject speaks. The heart, where quench-
ed existence had its grave, is kindlcd and
renovated lie. CLEANS through its shroud,
as the warm sun, through its light vesture
OF Clouds. The tount OF feeling is stirred,
and its currents come forth, fresh as the
overflowings of spring, when it melts
away the ICY fetters OF winter. The tea-
lures lose their fixed expression, and are
radiant with a bright train of passing
thoughts, and glad imaginings. Hope is
there, minsling its colors with the shade
of doubt confidence Is there, banishlng
distrust affection is there lighting up ad-
versity. Every feature lives, every look
tells. We not only see the glen, but hear
the sofl whispers of the breeze, the mirth-
tul voice of the brook, we not only see the
arbor, but hear the echoes, waking from
their slumbers, repeat the favorite strain
we not only see the lake, but hear the
light drip OF the suspended oar, and the
soft mururur of the breaking wave. Ev-
cry object is animated, and lives before us
in palpablc reality We may gaze, and
turn away, and gaze again, but new i'm
ages, new sounds, new feeling, and new
associations crowd upon us like stars on
the stediast vision Of the astronomer.
Or we may animate the marble, with
the features of The man we venerate. We
may render these features radiant with the
noble qualities of his mind and heart
We may make the ruling passion bright
ly apparent on the majestic brow. w,
may give the countenonce that peculiar
cast, which calls up the lofty, the tender |
recollection. And, we may imagine ths
departed sage, still existent, and Lefor,~
us, in undeca) ing strength and beauty
But just lay our hand on this iaultless re
semblance the clay ofthe grave is not
colder it is death with its icy chill