Page:Scenes and Hymns of Life.pdf/26

14

Of richest price; and thou didst fill her soul With the high gifts of an immortal wealth.— I bless, I bless thee! Never did thine eye Look on me but in glistening tenderness, My gentle Herbert! Never did thy voice But in affection's deepest music speak To thy poor Edith! Never was thy heart Aught but the kindliest sheltering home to mine, My faithful, generous Herbert! Woman's peace Ne'er on a breast so tender and so true Reposed before.—Alas! thy showering tears Fall fast upon my cheek—forgive, forgive! I should not melt thy noble strength away In such an hour.

Herbert. Sweet Edith, no! my heart Will fail no more; God bears me up through thee, And, by thy words, and by the heavenly light Shining around thee, through thy very tears, Will yet sustain me! Let us call on him! Let us kneel down, as we have knelt so oft,