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Three hours ; or, the vigil of love : and other poems

Hale, Sarah Josepha Buell (1788-1879)

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[dedication]
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[PART I.]
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THREE HOURS; OR, THE VIGIL OF LOVE.
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FIRST HOUR.
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SECOND HOUR.
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THIRD HOUR.
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PART II. POEMS.
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PART III.
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[PART IV.] THE MISSISSIPPI, AND OTHER POEMS.

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4.

As easy 'twere the nymph to bind
As tell the charm the Lady bore;
True beauty never was defined—
And features painted to the mind
Are perfect only to the blind
Who never scan the image o'er.—
Oh! very beautiful was she,
A loveliness most rare to see.
Her eyes were like th' ethereal hue
From Chimborazo's skyward view,
When stars begin to tremble through,
And not a vapor dims the blue;—
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And clustering curls of soft, blond hair,
Around her throat and shoulders flow
Like morning light on mountain snow,—
And face so delicately fair!
'Twas like a lily newly blown,
Or, like breathing Parian stone,
Softened by a heart within,
Sending love-light through the skin!
Ay, the soul's transparent vase
Seemed that pure, pale, loving face.
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