Page:Home; or, The unlost paradise (IA homeorunlostpara00palm).pdf/52

  Thou too shalt own his power. As he to thee
Shall turn for love's deep tenderness, and warm
Each day anew his heart at the pure flame
That, as on vestal altars, ever glows
Within thy breast; so thou when burdens press,
Or dangers gather thick, in him shall see
Thy helper strong; and ever by his side
More surely thou shalt scale the rugged steeps
And passes perilous that wait thy feet.
In his life thou shalt live, and so become
Worthy of high companionship and meet,
Sharing his struggles, with him to be crowned.
Each year shall thus thy being's measure fill,
The treasures hidden in thy soul unlock,
And make thee rich in dignity and grace,
And all that most exalts; till thou, the wife,
Shalt stand confessed the glory of the man
Thy husband, and he thine; by trial each
Proved to the other equal, helper, friend.