Lines Written in an Album50
Some names there are at sight of which will rise
Visions of triumph to the dullest eyes;
They breathe of garlands from a grateful race,
They tell of victory o’er all that’s base;
To write them eagles might their plumage give,
And granite rocks should yield, that they may live.
Others there are at sight of which will rise
Visions of beauty to all loving eyes,
Of radiant sweetness, or of gentle grace,
The poesy of manner or of face,
Spell of intense, if not of widest power;
The strong the ages rule; the fair, the hour.
And there are names at sight of which will rise
Visions of goodness to the mourner’s eyes;
They tell of generosity untired,
Which gave to others all the heart desired;
Of Virtue’s uncomplaining sacrifice,
And holy hopes which sought their native skies.
If I could hope that at my name would rise
Visions like these, before those gentle eyes,
How gladly would I place it in the shrine
Where many honored names are linked with thine,
And know, if lone and far my pathway lies,
My name is living ’mid the good and wise.
It must not be, for now I know too well
That those to whom my name has aught to tell
O’er baffled efforts would lament or blame.
Who heeds a breaking reed?—a sinking flame?
Best wishes and kind thoughts I give to thee,
But mine, indeed, an empty name would be.