From ceaseless study quenchless thought—

Maidens, with timid, trembling lips,

Their beauties purple with eclipse;

Mothers, within whose matron eyes

Dwelt all the depth of tropic skies,

Clasping their offspring, as the rose

Enfolds its heart at evening close.

Some stood alone, with drooping wings;

Some gathered here and there in rings,

But each one felt, though far apart,