COMPENSATION.
Deep calleth unto deep;—the heart
That dwelleth from the world apart
Is sometimes doubly sad;
But lo! the light that overflows!
The desert blossoms like the rose,—
The wilderness is glad!
The faith serene, the lofty cheer,
The love triumphant over fear,—
A paradise below!
Such is the treasure each may find,
(The rapture of a quiet mind,)
And such, in part, bestow.
BETRAYED.
Deceived, defloured, despoiled!
O drooping lily, late with light aglow!
Around thy root is coiled
The hidden horror of a nameless woe.
Deceived, defiled, despoiled!
Is there no healing for a broken heart?
O God! hadst thou but foiled
The fatal spell of the betrayer’s art.
Deceived, despised, despoiled!
The blight has fallen on thy peerless bloom;
To bless thy bridal eager ages toiled;—
A moment’s glamour leaves thee endless gloom.