Page:The white doe of Rylstone - or, The fate of the Nortons. A poem (IA whitedoeofrylsto00wordrich).pdf/56

 —But thou, my Sister, doomed to be The last leaf which by heaven's decree Must hang upon a blasted tree; If not in vain we have breathed the breath Together of a purer faith— If hand in hand we have been led And thou, (O happy thought this day!) Not seldom foremost in the way- If on one thought our minds have fed, And we have in one meaning read— If, when at home our private weal Hath suffered from the shock of zeal, Together we have learned to prize Forbearance, and self-sacrifice— If we like combatants have fared, And for this issue been prepared— If thou art beautiful, and youth And thought endue thee with all truth— Be strong;—be worthy of the grace Of God, and fill thy destined place: