OH! if the winds could whisper what they hear, <br />When murmuring round at sunset through the grove; <br />If words were written on the streamlet clear, <br />So often spoken fearlessly above: <br />If tell-tale stars, descending from on high, <br />Could image forth the thoughts of all that gaze, <br />Entranced upon that deep cerulean sky, <br />And count how few think only of their rays! <br /> <br />If the lulled heaving ocean could disclose <br />All that has passed upon her golden sand, <br />When the moon-lighted waves triumphant rose, <br />And dashed their spray upon the echoing strand. <br />If dews could tell how many tears have mixed <br />With the bright gem-like drops that Nature weeps, <br />If night could say how many eyes are fixed <br />On her dark shadows, while creation sleeps! <br /> <br />If echo, rising from her magic throne, <br />Repeated with her melody of voice <br />Each timid sigh-each whispered word and tone, <br />Which made the hearer's listening heart rejoice. <br />If Nature could, unchecked, repeat aloud <br />All she hath heard and seen-must hear and see- <br />Where would the whispering, vowing, sighing crowd <br />Of lovers, and their blushing partners, be?<br /><br />Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ifs-3/
