California [pp. 505]

California.
bidding her stay, walked tremblingly into
the alcove. He lay dead upon the couch
there, his hands folded upon his breast, and
his face still sweet with the smile of love
with which he had left us.
And now I sit awaiting the parting of
the curtains. By my request that Emily
and I be not long separated, I have robbed
the long expectation and the fate itself of
its greatest terror. Come when it might, I
knew I should not be unattended by her
who has blessed my life. Well can I fancy
her gentle spirit awaiting me just beyond
the confines of life. "Why should I dread
to go? For me love has gone from the
world, and when love goes the day is done
as surely as when the sun sets.
Again, as I have written these words, the
curtains have parted with their silken rustle.
Willingly I go. My son, when you read
these, my very last words, know that I
have continued to you the request which
to me has been a star in the gloom of our
fate. May you be as happy with the maid
you shall choose as I have been, and be
granted prosperity and a long freedom
from the summons. Farewell. I go, joyful in the expectation of joining the dear
spirit awaiting me just beyond the pale.
JHo,w,ard Alark/e Hoke.
CALIFORNIA.
\VHILE by their hearths men sat and stories told
Of fabled islands hidden in the west,
Or spent their lives, all fruitless, in the quest;
Thlou wert asleep upon thy bed of gold,
Thy treasure safely kept within thy hold,
Until awaking from thy dream of rest
Thou baredst the secrets of thy mighty breast,
And all thy wonders to the world unrolle,l.
And yet, beware, much gold( can dull the brain,
Can clog the springs of fancy, and destroy
The soui with slow and subtle alchemy,A baser race may rise to live for gain,
Pitiful dullards may thy spoils enjoy,
And thou, thyself, become a mockery.
Florat llatcdonctld She,,o'cn.
505