And joy in its graceful glee.

“Shall I ask for a gem of light,

To braid in my flowing ringlets?

Like a star thro’ the veil of night,

Would glisten its glorious hue;

Or a radiant bird, to close

Its beautiful, waving winglets

On my bosom in soft repose,

And share my love with you!”

She paused,—bewildered, terror-struck; for, in her mother’s soul,