The Ladies' Garland

A recent publication is 'The Harp of Salem,
a collection of Historical Poems from the Scriptures,
by a Lady of Edinburgh. Subjoined is the only
specimen of this volume, which we have seen.—
The subject is one on which a poetical imagination
might be employed in a much more extended
description.—[Gallery.

ELIJAH TAKEN TO HEAVEN.

Still on the Prophets wandered. As they walked
They spake of things celestial. The dread hour
Which was to snatch Elijah from the earth
Was come, and his pure soul was rapt in bliss,
And holy expectation of the joys—
His bright reward of glory—by the throne
Of the Omniscient Majesty of Heaven.

Oh! highly favored mortal—if we dare
To call thee mortal, who, undying, gained
The immortal raptures of supernal spheres.
Behold yon brilliant star, whose glory shoots
In rapid course athwart the sapphire vault.
Behold, it nears our nether world, and seems
A cloud of gold. More near! what can it be?
Elijah, favored son of earth, 'tis thine—
Thy car triumphal to the gates of Heaven!
Swift darts the blazing chariot to its goal:
The fiery steed of Heaven disdains the earth;
Cloud borne it hangs in air; an unseen Power
Conveys the Prophet to his radiant seat,
And whirlwinds waft him from Elisha's view.