Bought by wounds and deeds of daring, Glory crowned his name— "VICTOR IN A NOBLE STRIFE, I could live and die contented With my poor ignoble life. Well, my darling, almost weary Of my story? For the rest is only joyful; I can tell it with a smile. One bright promise still was left me, That, as one by one had failed me, This dream now absorbed the whole. "SINGER OF A NOBLE POEM," Ah, my darling, few and rare Burn the glorious names of Poets, Like stars in the purple air. That too, and I glory in it, That great gift my Godfrey won; I have my dear share of honor, Gained by that beloved one. One day shall my darling read it; Proud to think that hope was true; I was long before I knew it, Then I strung my rhymes together And, it pleases me to know it, (For I love them well indeed,) They care for my humble verses, Fitted for their humble need. And, it cheers my heart to hear it, So my last vain dream has faded; B A WOMAN'S QUESTION. EFORE I trust my Fate to thee, Color and form to mine, Before I peril all for thee, question thy soul tonight for me. I break all slighter bonds, nor feel Is there one link within the Past Or is thy Faith as clear and free as that which I can pledge to thee? Does there within thy dimmest dreams Wherein thy life could henceforth breathe, Untouched, unshared by mine? If so, at any pain or cost, O, tell me before all is lost. Look deeper still. If thou canst feel Within thy inmost soul, That thou hast kept a portion back, While I have staked the whole; Let no false pity spare the blow, but in true mercy tell me so. Is there within thy heart a need One chord that any other hand Could better wake or still? Speak now-lest at some future day my whole life wither and decay. Lives there within thy nature hid On all things new and strange ? It may not be thy fault alone - but shield my heart against thy own. Couldst thou withdraw thy hand one day That Fate, and that to-day's mistake Not thou had been to blame? Some soothe their conscience thus; but thou wilt surely warn and save me now. Nay, answer not, -I dare not hear, So, comfort thee, my Fate Whatever on my heart may fall-remember, I would risk it all! THE THREE RULERS. SAW a Ruler take his stand His name shone bright through blood and pain, His sword flashed back their praise again. I saw another Ruler rise: His words were noble, good, and wise; He ruled the minds and thoughts of men: Another Ruler then I saw : Love and sweet Pity were his law; A DEAD PAST. PARE her at least: look, you have taken from me The Present, and I murmur not, nor moan; The Future too, with all her glorious promise; Sparc me the Past: for, see, she cannot harm you, She lies so white and cold, wrapped in her shroud; All, all my own! and, trust me, I will hide her Within my soul, nor speak to her aloud. |