to M. I. F. on her marriage-day.
And dearer, sweeter far to thee,
When thine in all its purity.
For who reveals each treasured thought
Unto the worldly giddy throng?
As if heart-worship could be bought,
Or sold, the wondering few among.
I knew thee in thy girlish day,
And thou wert grave as well as gay,
Which told thy spirit had its care,
Though mirth could also linger there;
For sun and shadow there must be,
To balance life's expectancy;
And woman's heart, and woman's mind,
Is purified when both's combined;
As darkened sorrow clouds the heart,
To leave it brighter, and depart.
I see thee in thy wedding hour,
That moment of love's thrilling power;
I see the blush, the tear, the smile,
Striving for mastery the while;
I see the fond confiding glance
That would each word of love enhance;
When thine in all its purity.
For who reveals each treasured thought
Unto the worldly giddy throng?
As if heart-worship could be bought,
Or sold, the wondering few among.
I knew thee in thy girlish day,
And thou wert grave as well as gay,
Which told thy spirit had its care,
Though mirth could also linger there;
For sun and shadow there must be,
To balance life's expectancy;
And woman's heart, and woman's mind,
Is purified when both's combined;
As darkened sorrow clouds the heart,
To leave it brighter, and depart.
I see thee in thy wedding hour,
That moment of love's thrilling power;
I see the blush, the tear, the smile,
Striving for mastery the while;
I see the fond confiding glance
That would each word of love enhance;
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