Crowned!

With peaceful brow, and eyes beneath Disclosing memories, tender, dear, And hopes secure from earthly strife, She stands—good angels know how near To heaven,—crown’d with the harvest-wreath Of a fair, fruitful life:— A lovelier diadem, I ween, On seraph brow was never seen.

THE MEASURE.

From what a depth within the poet’s heart, The sorrow Dante weds to deathless Art! From what a height within the poet’s brain, The immortal notes of Shakespeare’s star-bright strain!

HUMILITY.

Naught is new beneath the sun: Ages since the deed was done;— Ay! a thousand wrought like one,— And a thousand thought like one. Greatest souls are first to own None is wise or strong alone.

ENTREATY.

O Lord of life and death! To whom all souls belong, Let not the thread be cut, While yet I weave my song.

Let not the workman’s form Be broken ere the time;— Oh shatter not, with “Dust to Dust,” The marble’s dream sublime!