Unseen Spirits

The shadows lay along Broadway,
T was near the twilight-tide,
And slowly there a lady fair
Was walking in her pride.
Alone walked she; but, viewlessly,
Walked spirits at her side.

Peace charmed the street beneath her feet,
And Honor charmed the air;
And all astir looked kind on her,
And called her good as fair,
For all God ever gave to her
She kept with chary care.

She kept with care her beauties rare
From lovers warm and true,
For her heart was cold to all but gold,
And the rich came not to woo,
But honored well are charms to sell
If priests the selling do.

Now walking there was one more fair,
A slight girl, lily-pale;
And she had unseen company
To make the spirit quail:
Twixt Want and Scorn she walked forlorn,
And nothing could avail.

No mercy now can clear her brow
For this worlds peace to pray;
For, as loves wild prayer dissolved in air,
Her womans heart gave way!
But the sin forgiven by Christ in heaven
By man is cursed alway!

Nathaniel Parker Willis

Nathaniel Parker Willis was an American author, poet, and editor who was among the most popular literary figures of his time. He founded and edited several periodicals and wrote many poems, essays, and travelogues. Willis was known for his urbane style, which influenced the development of 19th-century American literature. Despite his widespread popularity during his lifetime, his work fell out of favor in the years following his death.

Nathaniel Parker Willis

Mere Accident.

Nathaniel Parker Willis, Simple Poetry

Sonnet.

Nathaniel Parker Willis, Simple Poetry

The Earl's Minstrel.

Nathaniel Parker Willis, Simple Poetry

Andre's Request.

Nathaniel Parker Willis, Simple Poetry

English

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In these rapid, restless shadows,
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The Somnambulist

List, ye who pass by Lyulph's Tower
At eve; how softly then
Doth Aira-force, that torrent hoarse,
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Not far from that fair site whereon
The Pleasure-house is reared,
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To A Lady.

Suggested By Hearing Her Voice During Services At Church.

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Sonnet.

There was a beautiful spirit in her air,
    As of a fay at revel. Hidden springs,
Too delicate for knowledge, should be there,
    Moving her gently like invisible wings;
And then her lip out-blushing the red fruit
    That bursts with ripeness in the Autumn time,
And the arch eye you would not swear was mute,
    And the clear cheek, as of a purer clime,
And the low tone, soft as a pleasant flute
    Sent over water with the vesper chime;
And then her forehead with its loose, dark curl,
    And the bewildering smile that made her mouth
    Like a torn rose-leaf moistened of the South -
She has an angel's gifts - the radiant girl!

Nathaniel Parker Willis