Up the River-Side

A sabbath hush pervades the summer day,
As seated here beside the shining sands,
I gaze on once again the arid lands,
That weed-besprinkled westward stretch away;
The waves that wash the beach about me lay
Smooth mirrors in their track, and vast expands
The stream's majestic breast, to where up-stands
Fair Venice in her groves beside her bay.
And so serenely on the sands of gold
I lie and listen to the beat of wave
And boom of wind, and watch the river-gleams;
Then seas of slumber are about me rolled,
And as within their waters deep I lave,
The scene before me fades and floats away in dreams.