CXXX

Stand fast amidst the darkness! Ah! my dear,
'Tis easy loving where the sunshine falls,
And Nature's voice on idle passion calls
To add that joy to joys already here.
I almost do not grieve that night draws near
Our threatened prospect, and with shade appalls
Our wandering footsteps, as the shining walls
Of our lost Eden slowly disappear.
Behold those points of faith above thy head,
That starry chart by which the heart may move,
If to the test its instincts equal prove.
Now through these shades let us prepare to tread,
As hand in hand across the flowers we sped,
When dewy morning lit our early love!