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526
TO MARY HOWITT.
So should a life be lived, that genius liftsTo higher duties than life asks from all;
So art in blessèd influences should fall
Upon all hearts—using its mighty gifts
Man's thoughts and common acts to purify,
Breeding a loftier life and nobler aims,
A faith that liveth not in forms and names,
But in the deeds that fit a soul to die;
And well thy blessèd influence may we prize,
Moving about our paths in deeds of love,
In gentle words and household charities;
Well therefore may our reverence, above
The glare of useless fames, thy memory raise,
Throning thee in our love as high as in our praise.
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