And mused with soulful tenderness
On the heaven that gave it birth.
The teacher's stern, imperious heart
Yearningly worshipped this child,
And 'neath her hallowed influence
Grew tender, warm and mild.
The haughty heart, that never sought
The plaudits of the world,
Poured its richest tribute
At the feet of this faultless girl.
The face, that never even blanched
'mid war's terrific strife,
Grew pale as death the hour he asked
This child to be his wife.
No word she spake, but simply laid
Her head upon his breast.
He folded her in warm embrace
And knew that he was blest.
Each lived a life of conscious joy;
Earth seemed a garden fair;