Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1829.pdf/15



Still she was well and happy. Oh! the heart Makes its own happiness, perchance the best, When consecrate to one engrossing love!

Two years had past away;—but once again She is to stand within her father’s hall; Her vows dispensed with just for one brief day, Her brother had besought so earnestly Her presence when he wed the Lady Blanche. He said no other hand but hers should give The bride her orange flowers; for Emily Would bring a blessing with her.

’Twas early morning when that youthful nun Gazed once again on her forgotten face. How strange the mirror seemed! Again her hair Was gathered up with pearls on each dark wave,— Once more the silken robe, the silver veil, Beseemed the Baron's daughter:—but she turned From the fair glass, and knelt with lifted hands Before the Virgin‘s image; while her eyes Swam with sweet tears of earnest gratitude. She thought upon her brother and his bride— Of her old father’s joy;—and if one thought Had crossed her when she saw her own sweet face— How fair the world she had for aye resigned— That thought had past like some unholy thing, Which found her heart too pure a resting-place; And tenderest hopes, and gentle thankfulness, And self-forgetfulness, filled up the soul, Whose earthly love but bore it on to heaven.