SONNET TO ———
ITHER'D the lilies—and the roses' breathLong since has fainted in thy chamber, Sweet,
No more the loving shadows falter 'neath
The noiseless foot-fall of thy tender feet.
Even the shadows creep away to hide,
Till thy dear presence fills with sun again,
And cheers this night of absence—as the bride
Puts by her silvery veil and wreath, till when
The marriage bell peals forth its joyous chime.
So leave the darken'd room to wait its turn—
The dear remembered chair, the book—the time
When lifted hearts shall welcome thy return,
And "Casa Guidi's" life and light once more
Shall cheer the loving on life's changeful shore.
