Poems (Osgood)/Lines from a School Girl to a New Friend

by Frances Sargent Osgood

LINES FROM A SCHOOL-GIRL TO A NEW FRIEND.

Will you let me love you, Fanny?
 There are very few
In my soul's still temple cherish'd—
 May it cherish you?
Many make a fleeting visit,
 Wearying ere long—
Far too wild and dreamy is it,
 For the worldly throng.

But if you will come and rest
 In its dim recesses,
It will give its stronger-guest
 Welcome and caresses.
Gentle is the group you'll meet;
 Pray do not refuse them;
They will always love you, sweet;
 Let me introduce them!

You will see their faces only—
 Angels are drawn so;
And the heart makes angels ever
 Of its friends, you know.
One with eyes like starlit clouds,
 Beautiful as truths
In whose face her rich soul smiles
 With undying youth.

Then with brown and braided hair,
 Head of classic grace,
Brow serene, and tranquil eyes,
 Comes a seraph face.
You can see that she has sorrow'd,
 From the world apart:
Pure and lovely as her forehead,
 So the maiden's heart.

Next with glance upraised, inspired,
 Music in her eyes,
Soft in grief—in passion fired—
 See Julie arise!
On her cheek unearthly bloom;
 Round her brow so fair,
Glossy as a raven's plume,
 Sweeps her wealth of hair.

Next appears my pride and idol,
 One, within whose soul
Love and Truth have met in bridal,
 Free from earth's control.
Guileless, trusting as a child,
 Playful, dauntless, daring,
Full of romance, high and wild,
 Ne'er in wo despairing!

Far apart from all and hidden—
 Frowning on them too,
There is one, who came unbidden,
 That is—you know who!
Now you'll let me love you, Fanny!
 Since you see how few
In my heart's far depths are treasured,
 Let it treasure you!