Before the mind completely understood

That mighty truth—how happy are the good!—

“E’en when her light forsook him, it bequeathed

Ennobling sorrow; and her memory breathed

A sweetness that survived her living days

As odorous scents outlast the censer’s blaze.

“Or if a trouble dimmed their golden joy,

’Twas outward dross, and not infused alloy:

Their home knew but affection’s looks and speech—

A little Heaven, above dissension’s reach.