The sunlit clouds—the pleasant air that played
Its low lute-music 'mid the leafy shade—
And, dearer far, the tenderness that taught
My soul a new and richer thrill of thought—
For these—for all—bear thou to Heaven for me
The grateful thanks with which I mission thee!
Then should thy sisters, wasted, wronged, upbraid,
Speak thou for me—for thou wert not betrayed!
'Twas little—true—I could to thee impart—
I, with my simple, frail and wayward heart;
But that I strove the diamond sands to light,
In Life's rich hour-glass, with Love's rainbow flight;
And that one generous spirit owed to me
A moment of exulting ecstasy;
And that I won o'er wrong a queenly sway—
For this, thou'lt smile for me in Heaven, my Day!