This, that and the other :: :: University of Virginia Library

We met, it was as barks that on the tide of life
Go drifting onwardly, by isles of joy, and strife;
'T was but a voice from sea, an answer from the shore,
One clasp of kindly hands, and the brief dream was o'er!
I gazed up momently into thy dark-blue eyes,
As one who sees in sleep the far-off Paradise;
I, trembling, bowed my head upon thy broad, calm breast, —
I wept a moment there, in dreams that I was blest.
And yet, those eyes looked coldly down into my own, —
There was no glance of love, no thrilling passion-tone;
'T was as a flower which pours its worship on a star,
And dies, because it wins no answer from afar!
We met, and my proud heart shall thrill forevermore
With dreams, and memories, aching at its burning core;
While joy, and hope, shall smile within thy calm blue eyes,
Like moonlight on a pool where sparkling water lies!
I may not speak, and so my earnest woman's heart
Shall proudly guard the dreams that will not hence depart,
And only in my prayers, with low, half-whispered tone,
Thy name shall tremble up to the Eternal Throne!