The Liberator

LITERARY.

[From the Casket.]

I'D BE A RAY.
I'd be a ray—a solar ray,
To shoot through air and ether;
And dance away one endless day,
O'er highland lawn and heather.
I'd be a ray—a lunar ray,
Reflecting Sol's bright beams;
And nightly stray the milky way
To waken lovers' dreams.
I'd be a ray—a stellar ray,
To ride on ocean's breast;
When lightnings play amid the spray
And calm the soul to rest.
I'd be a ray—the morning ray,
To take the first sly peep;
Then like a fay so bright and gay
I'd wake the world from sleep.
I'd be a ray—the evening ray,
O'er earth so mildly beaming;
And calm survey the twilight gray
Each hill and iceberg gleaming.
I'd be a ray—the summer ray,
To ride on golden wing;
Or sweetly lay on new mown hay,
And hear blithe maidens sing.
I'd be a ray—an autumn ray,
To cheer 'mid nature's gloom;
And light the way when holiday
Makes man forget his doom.
I'd be a ray-the winter ray,
O'er glittering worlds to roam ;
Then love obey and quiet stay
Upon my hearth at home.
I'd be a ray—the sweet spring ray,
To gleam in April showers;
And view for aye the beauteous May,
And sport among the flowers.
I'd be a ray—soft Venus' ray,
To shine in ladies' eyes;
Who ne'er say nay when love 's the prey.
Whom they so idolize.
I'd be a ray—earth's humble ray,
On freedom's dome afar;
And then portray her potent sway
O'er haughty king and czar.
I'd be a ray-Religion's ray,
To shed true light abroad;
Then cease display and quit this clay,
To calmly rest with God.