Page:Zinzendorff and Other Poems.pdf/83

Rh I stood beside a lowly dome
 * Where peace and love abode,

And fragrant round that cottage home
 * The breath of Summer flow'd,

Fresh flowrets through the casement peer'd, The sleeping dog no harshness fear'd
 * His master's feet beside,

While he, in true contentment blest, With every anxious thought at rest,
 * The gathering twilight eyed.

She too, his friend from youth to age
 * The dearest and the best,

Gave to his ear that sacred page
 * On which their hope did rest,

The aiding glass was o'er her eye, And from her cheek the roseate die
 * Of brighter years did part,

But her calm brow that beauty spake Which Time more exquisite doth make,
 * The beauty of the heart.

Fast by her side, with blooming face
 * Her gentle daughter rose,

Nurtur'd in all the simple grace
 * Which pious care bestows;

Maiden! thou hear'st that word whose power Can give thee for thy trial-hour
 * Strength when the heart doth bow,

Peace, tho' the stricken bosom bleeds, Eternal life, when earth recedes,
 * Oh! catch its spirit now.