American Female Poets [an electronic edition]

STANZAS.

I WOULD not have thee deem my heart Unmindful of those higher joys, Regardless of that better part Which earthly passion ne'er alloys. I would not have thee think I live Within heaven's pure and blessed light, Nor feeling, nor affection give To Him who makes my pathway bright.

I would not chain to mystic creeds A spirit fetterless and free; The beauteous path to heaven that leads Is dimm'd by earthly bigotry: And yet, for all that earth can give, And all it e'er can take away, I would not have that spirit rove One moment from its heavenward way.

I would not that my heart were cold And void of gratitude to Him, Who makes those blessings to unfold, Which by our waywardness grow dim. I would not lose the cherish'd trust Of things within the world to come, — The thought, that when their joys are dust, The weary have a peaceful home.

For I have left the dearly loved, The home, the hopes of other years,

And early in its pathway proved Life's rainbow hues were form'd of tears. I shall not meet them here again, Those loved and lost, and cherish'd ones, Bright links in young affection's chain, In memory's sky unsetting suns.

But perfect in the world above, Through suffering, woe, and trial here, Shall glow the undiminish'd love Which clouds and distance fail'd to sear; But I have linger'd all to long, Thy kind remembrance to engage, And woven but a mournful song, Wherewith to dim thy page.