Page:Hemans Miscellaneous Poetry 3.pdf/5



first should consecrate as thine, The volume, destined to be fraught With many a sweet and playful line, With many a pure and pious thought?

It should be, what a loftier strain Perchance less meetly would impart; What never yet was pour'd in vain,— The blessing of a grateful heart—

For kindness, which hath soothed the hour Of anxious grief, of weary pain, And oft, with its beguiling power, Taught languid Hope to smile again.

Long shall that fervent blessing rest On thee and thine; and, heavenwards borne, Call down such peace to soothe thy breast, As thou, wouldst bear to all that mourn.