Page:Home; or, The unlost paradise (IA homeorunlostpara00palm).pdf/93

 E'en things that most delight, unchanged should sate From sheer monotony. Thy pleasures, Home, Can only live through never-ceasing flow; As brooks that hasten leaping, babbling on, Are pure as crystal ever; but pent up, Forbid their course to run, do stagnate soon, And with green ooze breed noisomeness and death. Ay, parents, send them forth, as God shall call— Your best and dearest—not with fainting heart And tears regretful, at what Home must lose; But thankfully, since unto you 'tis given To God and man offerings so rich to bring.

The gentle Edith ripe in maiden charms Yet more and more the magic power reveals Of cultured womanhood. Not wholly lost The witching artlessness of childish years, The airy freedom, the instinctive grace, So winsome, till by fashion's hateful code To chilling stiffness changed. Radiant she moves Amid Home's cheerful band, in beauty's light,