Years passed, and his name grew famous; While the slow days fleeted by. Then at last-you know the story, And we heard that he was dead. His was no weak life as mine was, Of strange hope within my spirit Still burnt on, and lived the same. Ah! my child, our hearts will fail us, I can look back on those hours She had long despaired; what wonder That her heart had turned to mine? Earthly loves are deep and tender, Not eternal and divine! Can I say how bright a future For the pain not mine alone; Told her-now I dared to do it- In his name, and for his sake: Then, I thought my heart would break. Soon-ah, Love had not deceived me, I could thank God that bright morning, Bought by wounds and deeds of daring, Glory crowned his name-my Brother's; Mine too!-we were one that day. Since the crown on him had fallen, I could live and die contented Well, my darling, almost weary I can tell it with a smile. "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; One day shall my darling read it; Proud to think that hope was true; Though I longed and strove so vainly What I failed in, he could do. I was long before I knew it, Then I strung my rhymes together Only for the poor and low. And, it cheers my heart to hear it, My poor words are sung and cherished, For they tell of Heaven and rest. So my last vain dream has faded; (Such as I to think of fame!) Yet I will not say it failed me, For it crowned my Godfrey's name No; my Angel did not cheat me, B A WOMAN'S QUESTION. EFORE I trust my Fate to thee, Colour and form to mine, Before I peril all for thee, question thy soul to-night for me. I break all slighter bonds, nor feel A shadow of regret : Is there one link within the Past, That holds thy spirit yet? Or is thy Faith as clear and free as that which I can pledge to thee? Does there within thy dimmest dreams A possible future shine, Wherein thy life could henceforth breathe, Untouched, unshared by mine? If so, at any pain or cost, oh, 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. |