Page 98 of 172 TO THE RIVER - Complete Poetical Works

TO THE RIVER

Fair river! in thy bright, clear flow

Of crystal, wandering water,

Thou art an emblem of the glow

Of beauty--the unhidden heart--

The playful maziness of art

In old Alberto's daughter;

But when within thy wave she looks--

Which glistens then, and trembles--

Why, then, the prettiest of brooks

Her worshipper resembles;

For in his heart, as in thy stream,

Her image deeply lies--

His heart which trembles at the beam

Of her soul-searching eyes.

1829.

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