The Talisman

What would ye give, ye triflers, say,Young men and maidens, what would yeBestow to know the mysteryOf what an angel said to me—An angel said to me one day?

Ah, dark and heavy was my soul!Once had it been all gay and light,And fearing not the coming blight,Had perched itself on pleasure's height,And writ its name on pleasure's scroll.

But soon, too soon, a change o'ercameMy spirit, and my heart was broke—Was broke and bowed beneath the yokeOf grief too sacred to be spoke,Yet eating out my soul like flame.

Then, to my side an angel stole—An angel with bright shining hair,And sweet young face divinely fair—Speaking with voice more soft and rareThan music's most voluptuous roll.

"Peace, peace," the radiant being spoke;And on my heart's tumultuous swellThe oil of holy stillness fell,And calmed it with a sacred spellToo sweet and reverent to be broke.

"Thy soul is dark," the angel said;"A land of shadow round thee lies;And shapes of fear thy soul surprise,From which thou canst not turn thine eyes,Lest thou shouldst be pursued with dread.

"But I will give to thee a lightWhose beams shall fright the shades away,And make for thee a perfect day;That light is love; and with its rayThy soul shall shine serenely bright.

"Love thou thy God—thy friend—the world—And labor for thy love's true sake;Then shall no gloom thy path o'ertakeWhich thou hast not the power to break;The wings of darkness shall be furled

"For evermore; and on thy heartThe freshness of new joys descend;And with thy hopes a trust shall blendThat shall not fail thee to the end,Though all life's pleasing dreams depart.

"Take thou the talisman, and goUpon the path of life once more;It can not fail thee;" and beforeThe music of his voice was o'er,The angel melted in a glowOf golden light along the floor.