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THE AMBER ROSARY.
67
Counted these beads, and praised their marvellous glow,
Saying, "I bring a gift to you, dear child,—
Saying, "I bring a gift to you, dear child,—
"An amulet, not made of gems or gold,
But drops of light, imprisoned from above.
Gold were too heavy; gems, too hard and cold;
And only amber suits the soul of love.
But drops of light, imprisoned from above.
Gold were too heavy; gems, too hard and cold;
And only amber suits the soul of love.
"What fitter birthday token could I give?
See how the clear orbs answer to the sun!
I clasp them at your throat, and you shall live
A perfect golden year for every one!"
See how the clear orbs answer to the sun!
I clasp them at your throat, and you shall live
A perfect golden year for every one!"
"Then why the cross?" I asked. He sighed and said,
"For possible sorrows." Ah, these useless tears!
The hand which placed it here, now cold and dead,
Forgets to twine for me the golden years.
"For possible sorrows." Ah, these useless tears!
The hand which placed it here, now cold and dead,
Forgets to twine for me the golden years.
Forgets to bless her waiting head, who wears
For his dear sake these amber beads to-day,—
Forgets to make the cruel cross she bears
Grow lighter as the birthdays wear away.
For his dear sake these amber beads to-day,—
Forgets to make the cruel cross she bears
Grow lighter as the birthdays wear away.
