Love and Fame

WRITTEN IN EARLY YOUTH.

I.

It was the May when I was born,
Soft moonlight through the casement stream'd,
And still, as it were yestermorn,
I dream the dream I dream'd.
I saw two forms from fairy land,
Along the moonbeam gently glide,
Until they halted, hand in hand,
My infant couch beside.

II.

With smiles, the cradle bending o'er,
I heard their whisper'd voices breathe--
The one a crown of diamond wore,
The one a myrtle wreath;
"Twin brothers from the better clime,
A poet's spell hath lured to thee;
Say which shall, in the coming time,
Thy chosen fairy be?"

III.

I stretch'd my hand, as if my grasp
Could snatch the toy from either brow;
And found a leaf within my clasp,
One leaf--as fragrant now!
If both in life may not be won,
Be mine, at least, the gentler brother--
For he whose life deserves the one,
In death may gain the other.