With a true book to read. My study fire

Made music to my ear; the placid brow

Of my Madonna, and the shadowy tints

Of an old Flemish picture that I keep,

Might pass for company; and for relief

To weary eyes, a sweet geranium stood

In the half shuttered window, breathing out

Its odors with the pleasant smell of books;

And a soft landscape, given me by one

Who has a noble nature, hung in light,