A voice so thrilling ne'er was heard... Breaking the silence of the seas Among the farthest Hebrides.

I've watched you now a full half-hour; Self-poised upon that yellow flower And, little Butterfly! Indeed I know not if you sleep or feed. How motionless! - not frozen seas More motionless! and then What joy awaits you, when the breeze Hath found you out among the trees, And calls you forth again!

Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain That has been, and may be again.

But thou that didst appear so fair To fond imagination, Dost rival in the light of day Her delicate creation.

My eyes are dim with childish tears, My heart is idly stirred, For the same sound is in my ears Which in those days I heard.

A power is passing from the earth.

Sad fancies do we then affect, In luxury of disrespect To our own prodigal excess Of too familiar happiness.