Sonnets and Other Poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

Once Joy each morn our window-curtains drew,
And smiling bade us hail—‘Rise, happy pair,
A new day calls you and the world is fair.’
But one dark dawning quench'd my zeal to view
Heav'ns matin pomp—its wealth of varying hue.
Now by my lonely bed—she is not there—
The vestal Duty stands with solemn air,
And says—‘Remember, thou hast much to do.’
I turn and gaze on her, half-blind with tears,
And lo! she is transfigured, and I see
No longer her with looks severe, but thee,
My blessed one, with eyes of love that still
Shed peace and comfort as in vanish'd years—
And prompt I rise, thy counsels to fulfil.