University of Virginia Library

STANZAS

WRITTEN ON THE BLANK LEAF OF A BIBLE PRESENTED TO A BRIDE.

Not mine the gift
Of glittering gem or gold, by sordid hands
Dug from the dirty mine. I would not be
Remembered only in thy festal hours,
Recalled to mind by some bright jewel's flash,
As, decked in fashion's costliest array,
Thou threadest the mazes of the giddy dance—
I would be linked with holier memories.
When, in reflection's lonely hour, thy heart
Turns from the turmoil of the busy world
To commune with itself, then let my gift
Be thy companion. Earthly friends may fail,
The voice of sympathy may cease to pour
Its music in the leaden ear of sorrow,
Yet in this casket wilt thou find a balm
For every suffering. As thou ponderest o'er
The precious truths of God's most holy book,
O may they be upon thy soul imprest,
Teaching thee grateful love in hours of joy,
Giving sweet solace in thine hour of sorrow,
Offering the only hope that can outlast
The things of time and sense, till thou hast learned
Above all other earthly good to prize
My humble marriage gift.