For the Southern Literary Messenger.
TO MRS. ——,
Whose husband was absent in the United States Navy. On seeing her in a gay company.
| Canst thou forget, amidst the gay and heartless, One far away whom thou hast vowed to love? Thou'rt lovely, and thou seemest pure and artless, And innocent and gentle as the dove. Dost thou forget, or do thy blue eyes brighten Only with thoughts of his return to thee? Dost thou the pains of absence seek to lighten, In scenes like this of mirth and revelry? Ah, pause awhile, mid sounds of song and dancing, While thoughts of conscious beauty paint thy cheek, While eyes, admiring eyes, around thee glancing, Volumes of warmest admiration speak— Think, if 'tis well for one whose faith is plighted, To shine among the free unfettered gay— Think, should those lovely eyes with smiles be lighted At homage which no heart but one should pay? Oh keep those smiles, so full of light and gladness, To welcome one whom thou canst call thine own; And may no darkling shade of gloom or sadness Come o'er thy life, thou bright and peerless one! |
E. A. S.
For the Southern Literary Messenger.