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February 17, 1846
A STILL, 1 serene, soft day; enough of sun | |
| To wreathe the cottage smoke like pine-tree snow, | |
| Whiter than those white flowers the bride-maids wore; | |
| Upon the silent boughs the lissom air | |
| Rested; and, only when it went, they moved, | 5 |
| Nor more than under linnet springing off. | |
| Such was the wedding morn: the joyous Year | |
| Leapt over March and April up to May. | |
| Regent of rising and of ebbing hearts, | |
| Thyself borne on in cool serenity, | 10 |
| All heaven around and bending over thee, | |
| All earth below and watchful of thy course! | |
| Well hast thou chosen, after long demur | |
| To aspirations from more realms than one. | |
| Peace be with those thou leavest! peace with thee! | 15 |
| Is that enough to wish thee? not enough, | |
| But very much: for Love himself feels pain, | |
| While brighter plumage shoots, to shed last year’s; | |
| And one at home (how dear that one!) recalls | |
| Thy name, and thou recallest one at home. | 20 |
| Yet turn not back thine eyes; the hour of tears | |
| Is over; nor believe thou that Romance | |
| Closes against pure Faith her rich domain. | |
| Shall only blossoms flourish there? Arise, | |
| Far sighted bride! look forward! clearer views | 25 |
| And higher hopes lie under calmer skies. | |
| Fortune in vain call’d out to thee; in vain | |
| Rays from high regions darted; Wit pour’d out | |
| His sparkling treasures; Wisdom laid his crown | |
| Of richer jewels at thy reckless feet. | 30 |
| Well hast thou chosen. I repeat the words, | |
| Adding as true ones, not untold before, | |
| That incense must have fire for its ascent, | |
| Else ’tis inert and cannot reach the idol. | |
| Youth is the sole equivalent of youth. | 35 |
| Enjoy it while it lasts; and last it will; | |
| Love can prolong it in despite of Years. | |
