And they again seem’d parents. Oh! the joy,

The rich deep blessedness—though earth’s alloy,

Fear, that still bodes, be there—of pouring forth

The heart’s whole power of love, its wealth and worth

Of strong affection, in one healthful flow,

On something all its own! that kindly glow,

Which to shut inward is consuming pain,

Gives the glad soul its flowering time again,

When, like the sunshine, freed. And gentle cares

Th’ adopted Edith meekly gave for theirs