Ballad

A maiden left her father’s home, Her home of early years, With smiling cheek and brightened eye, Though all around were tears.

They fondly wept with her to part, Then why was she unmoved? Oh with a calm confiding heart She went with him she loved!

Each scene in early childhood dear, Her sisters’ love unknown, A mother’s love, a father’s care— She left them all for One.

Oh thou with whom she fondly went Thus let thy love be shewn— In gentleness and constancy Be all to her in one.

A woman’s love!—no gem on earth From India’s richest mine, Can match its high and untold worth— That brightest gem is thine!

Oh keep the gift, unstained and pure, From every blemish free, If thou ungratefully dost not What woe should wait on thee!

Ye love-linked pair! long may ye live And joys your dwelling bless; A poet’s heart, a heart that feels, Would thus its wish express.

May He who clothes the lillies, guard And guide you with his care, And with a father’s love your hearts For brighter worlds prepare.

When life shall close, and mortal ties Link after link are riven, Be all your loves and joys on earth Exchanged for those of heaven.