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LAURA.



Laura was fair, and of a tender heart,
And lov'd a son of Neptune. Nought to her
That toils of Ocean bronz'd his brow, or gave
A roughness to his manners, for she priz'd
His generous nature,—full of noble thoughts,
And warm devotedness to every friend.

Cold winter fled away, and gentle Spring
From its low bed the earliest snow-drop call'd,
And then the holy marriage-vow they spake,
And were made one. Yet scarce the fleeting moon
Had marked her change of crescent, orb and wane,

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