My Happiest Dream

I love to look, as evening fails, On vestals streaming in their veils, Within the fane past altar rails, Green palms in hand. My darkest moods will always clear When I can fancy children near, With rosy lips a-laughing--dear, Light-dancing band! Enchanting vision, too, displayed, That of a sweet and radiant maid, Who knows not why she is afraid,-- Love's yet unseen! Another--rarest 'mong the rare-- To see the gaze of chosen fair Return prolonged and wistful stare Of eager een. But--dream o'er all to stir my soul, And shine the brightest on the roll, Is when a land of tyrant's toll By sword is rid. I say not dagger--with the sword When Right enchampions the horde, All in broad day--so that the bard May sing the victor with the starred Bayard and Cid!