Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-06-25

bHG l. JeIIdH SpTluE1 GHTlcH OUT HluuS WIFI
the wealth of ancient and modern lore, and |
with our brows wreathed with unfading
laurels we would sit down upon the gid
diest heights of Fame and receive the OBJ
sequious homage of an admiring world
and then we would WOO the tickle smiles
of Fortune, launch our frail barques upon
the uncertain ocean of speculation, lay up
hordes of golden Mammon to be shared by
some chosen bride from Beautys loveliest
daughters Once we stood in the legisla-
tive. chamber, while listening senates were
anon we went forth as humble ministers of
the living God, to dispense the untold rich
es of redeeming grace to a benighted world.
But alas ere yet the mantle of manhood
had fallen upon our shoulders, the dark an
gel of aff1iction came and these airy castles
fell crumbling to our feet. And while [
am Frustrated upon a couch of pain, n.
goes forth crippled paralytic never
more
To tread, with mien erect, the fowery meads
and vernal vales."
But still we have much left for which
to be grateful. And often feel to thank
our Merciful Parent, when this dear friend
of my youth is borne to my bedside, and
we are permitted to commune with each
other, as once we were wont, and to talk
of "the castles which we built in the air"
in those halcyon days of boyhood,
"When hopes unclouded ray lit our green
path and prompted our simple mirth."
There were builders strong on the earth of old,
To-day there are planners rare;
But never was temple, home, nor hold,
Like the castles we built in air.
We piled them high thro' the long, lone hours,
By chill hearth's Pickering brands,
Thro' the twilights heavy with wintry showers,
That found us in strange lands.
The store was small and the friends were few
We own'd in those building days,
But stately and fair the fabrics grew
That no gold on earth could raise;
For time was conquered and fortune moved
Our wishes were buildings there,
And oh, but there gather'd guests beloved
To the castles built in the air.
No place was left for the bonds and fears,
For the lore so sagely SMALL
OF this gaining world that wears our years
Away in its thankless thrall
Once more we stood in the light that cross''
Our souls on their morning track,
And oh, that we had not loved or lost,
But ever the dream comes back
1t was JOY to pause by the pleasant homes
That our wandering steps have pass'd,
Yet weary look through the woodbine blooms
Or wreathing vines were cast.
And there never was room for care,
Where grew the flowers of our dreaming lii
By the home that we built in air.
! Oh, dark and lone have the bright hearth
grown
Where our fond and gay hearts met,
, For many have changed, and some are go1
But we build in the blithe homes yet;
As men have built in the date trees shade
Ere Egypt raised her fanes,
: Ere a star was named or a brick was laid
On the old Chaldean plains.
r Even thus have they framed the towers
e thought
. AS the ages came and went,
From the fisher Doy ia the Shetland boat,
To the Tartan in his tent
And some that beyond our azure say
There are realms for hope and prayer,
]. Have deem'd them but ling rings by the wa
D The castles we build in air.
6 Elm Cottage, Va.