 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
545
Arabella Johnson
As fades the delicate flower of Southern skies,Transplanted to our cold New England shore,
At the first chilling touch of Winter dies,
And we behold its beauteous tints no more;
So did the Lady Arabella fade!
The fairest flower of Winthrop's numerous band;
Near yonder shore her fragile form is laid,
Mourned by each plaintive wave that beats the strand!
A courtly splendor and a life of ease
She left for one of trial, want, and pain;
Seeking her conscience, and her God to please,
And counting loss for Christ eternal gain!
A ministering angel to his suffering fold,
She shared the hardships of the strong and bold.
Poem No. 53; c. 1878–80
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