WRITTEN AT TRENTON FALLS IN 1850
MORNING.
Beside the torrent's flashing spray
A pixie danc'd at break of day
On the smooth slabs of shining rock,
Vibrating to the water's shock.
Her twinkling feet fell soft and white,
And in the golden morning light
Her gray eyes glittered clear and keen
Her waves of amber hair between;
And round and round she danc'd until
The sun look'd o'er the eastern hill
And all the world was warm and still.
EVENING.
Within a pool as black as ink,
Churning below the rocky brink,
A youth lay drowned with face upturned,
That, by the dismal waters spurn'd,
Went eddying slowly with wide eyes
Fix'd, ghastly staring at the skies,
And pale white cheeks like lily leaves
Kiss'd coldly by the treacherous waves;
And round and round he floated till
The moon look'd o'er the western hill,
And all the world was cold and still.
