But could I dare to pray in his dread hour430

Of universal vengeance (if such should be),

It would not be to live, alone exempt

Of all my house. My sister! oh, my sister!

What were the world, or other worlds, or all

The brightest future, without the sweet past—

Thy love, my father's, all the life, and all

The things which sprang up with me, like the stars,

Making my dim existence radiant with

Soft lights which were not mine? Aholibamah!