XXIV.

They say that woman bringeth happiness

To him she loves. I do believe it true;

I know, my own! that I could ever bless

Thy heart, when to my fond embrace it flew.

Yes—yes—it gives me comfort to review

The few short years we’ve spent together here;

Each hour was fraught with gladness ever new;

’Tis sweet, my love! beside thine early bier,

To think thy noble heart ’twas ever mine to cheer.