I love the Winter dearly, too,... but then

I owe it so much; on a winter's day,

Bleak, cold, and stormy, you returned again,

When you had been those weary months away.

I love the Stars like friends; so many nights

I gazed at them, when you were far from me,

Till I grew blind with tears. ... those far-off lights Could watch you, whom I longed in vain to see.

177

Only to think of it, my soul was stirred

In tender memory of such generous praise.

I love all those who love you; all who owe

Comfort to you: and I can' find regret

Even for those poorer hearts who once could know

And once could love you, and can now forget.

Well, is my heart so narrow,
I, who spare
Love for all these?

even hold

Do I not

My favorite books in special tender care,

And prize them as a miser does his gold?

And the bitter lesson We learn from years.

The stars are gleaming
Upon her brow
What is she dreaming

So calmly now?
By her side is the Angel
With folded wings;
She smiles in her slumber
The while he sings.
He sings of a Bridal,

Of Love divine; Of a heart to be laid

On a sacred shrine; Of a crown of glory,

Where seraphs shine; Of the deep, long rapture The chosen know Who forsake for Heaven

Vain joys below, Who desire no pleasure, And fear no woc.

The Bells are ringing,

The sun shines clear,. The Choir is singing,

The guests are here. Before the High Altar Behold the Bride; And a mournful Angel Is by her side. She smiles, all content

181

With her chosen lot, — (Is her last night's dreaming So soon forgot !) And oh, may the Angel Forsake her not!

For on her small hand

There glitters plain