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knew but one desire, one single aim
 * Consumed her days and robbed her nights of rest—
 * To reconcile the two whom she loved best,

Who, long estranged, yet of one household came; And while for this she strove, her gentle frame
 * And tender heart were often sore distressed,
 * For all her longing love and pain repressed

Seemed but as fuel added to the flame.

But on that day of silence when she passed
 * By unseen pathways to the distant spheres,

What life had failed to do, death wrought at last,
 * For they who through the long, embittered years

Had spoken not, now stood with hands locked fast,
 * And looked into each other's face with tears.