I saw thee in light and in loveliness shining-
Thy beauty all glorious - thy features all fair ;
And the modest white pearl with the rose-bud was twining,
Around the bright curls of thy rich auburn hair.

I saw those fair locks on the summer breeze streaming,-
I heard thy soft voice-sweet-and gentle-and low,
And saw thy bright eyes 'neath thy fair forehead beaming,
Two violet buds in their mansion of snow.

I saw those blue eyes dimm'd with sorrow and weeping,
And the smiles that once beam'd there in beauty effaced,
And thy bosom, where joy had been tranquilly sleeping,
The fingers of woe with her sad name had traced.

And I saw thee when all thy dark troubles were ended,
And thou had'st surrender'd thy innocent breath,
And thy pure, happy soul to thy God was ascended,
And thy beautiful features were smiling in death.