May it profit others as it did me in the region where it was born, where it belongs.
The evening of our return to Chicago, the sunset was of a splendor and calmness beyond any we saw at the West.

The twilight that succeeded was equally beautiful; soft, pathetic, but just so calm.

When afterwards I learned this was the evening of Allston's death, it seemed to me as if this glorious pageant was not without connection with that event; at least, it inspired similar emotions,--a heavenly gate closing a path adorned with shows well worthy Paradise.
FAREWELL TO ROCK RIVER VALLEY.
Farewell, ye soft and sumptuous solitudes! Ye fairy distances, ye lordly woods, Haunted, by paths like those that Poussin knew, When after his all gazers' eyes he drew; I go,--and if I never more may steep An eager heart in your enchantments deep, Yet ever to itself that heart may say, Be not exacting; them hast lived one day,-- Hast looked on that which matches with thy mood, Impassioned sweetness of full being's flood, Where nothing checked the bold yet gentle wave, Where naught repelled the lavish love that gave.
A tender blessing lingers o'er the scene, Like some young mother's thought, fond, yet serene, And through its life new-born our lives have been.
Once more farewell,--a sad, a sweet farewell; And, if I never must behold you more, In other worlds I will not cease to tell The rosary I here have numbered o'er; And bright-haired Hope will lend a gladdened ear, And Love will free him from the grasp of Fear, And Gorgon critics, while the tale they hear, Shall dew their stony glances with a tear, If I but catch one echo from your spell:-- And so farewell,--a grateful, sad farewell!.