BOOK THE NINTH.
333
Than ever yet had thrill'd her charmed soul, 360
When eloquent Affection fondly told
The day-dreams of delight!
"Beloved Maid!
Lo! I am with thee! still thy Theodore!
Hearts in the holy bands of Love combined,
Death has no power to sever. Thou art mine! 365
A little while, and thou shalt dwell with me
In scenes where Sorrow is not. Cheerily
Tread thou the path that leads thee to the grave,
Rough tho' it be and painful, for the grave
Is but the threshold of Eternity! 370
When eloquent Affection fondly told
The day-dreams of delight!
"Beloved Maid!
Lo! I am with thee! still thy Theodore!
Hearts in the holy bands of Love combined,
Death has no power to sever. Thou art mine! 365
A little while, and thou shalt dwell with me
In scenes where Sorrow is not. Cheerily
Tread thou the path that leads thee to the grave,
Rough tho' it be and painful, for the grave
Is but the threshold of Eternity! 370
"Favour'd of Heaven! to thee is given to view
These secret realms. In night unpierceable
Enveloped, Death is there, around him wait
His ministers."
These secret realms. In night unpierceable
Enveloped, Death is there, around him wait
His ministers."
Undauntedly the Maid
Beheld his ghastly train. The withered form 375
Of Age: his cheek was hollow, and his eyes
Beheld his ghastly train. The withered form 375
Of Age: his cheek was hollow, and his eyes
Sunk
