A basket of beautiful roses!
Snowflakes in a setting of green; Pure as the pearl that reposes
On breast of the daintiest queen. Not one, but a wealth of sweet roses!
In vases, on table and chair, Small hands, in haste have deposed them;—
Sweet incense in soft summer air.
EVER FAITHFUL.
Since thy dear love my life hath blessed,
Since thy true heart is heart of mine, Naught fearing, I shall bide the rest;
Though sunlight dim to taper-shine.
Though Time's impress hath marked thy brow,
And silver-streaked thy sunny hair; As autumn winds, before the snow
Of winter, blight the foliage fair,
Yet shall I love thee till the beam
Of lingering soul-light homeward hies; Then, where sweet zephyrs fan the stream,
Where day's bright glory never dies,
Sunned of those ever hallowing rays;
As endless cycles onward move, With glad triumph we'll join to praise
The Centre of unfathomed love.