JEWELS
"Her robings were lace and satin
Of rare and costly make,
Whose shimmering folds were as beautiful dreams,
From which wealth untold might wake.
Pearls nestled on forehead and bosom,
In settings of rich device,--
And they whispered her caskets were filled and replete
With diamonds of fabulous price.
Of rare and costly make,
Whose shimmering folds were as beautiful dreams,
From which wealth untold might wake.
Pearls nestled on forehead and bosom,
In settings of rich device,--
And they whispered her caskets were filled and replete
With diamonds of fabulous price.
"And amid these fair surroundings,
She stood as a lily pale;
While the few short words she uttered
Were sad as a funeral wail.
Her eyes had a look as if burdened
With the weight of unshed tears,
And the pallor that rested on cheek and lip
Told a story of doubts and fears."
She stood as a lily pale;
While the few short words she uttered
Were sad as a funeral wail.
Her eyes had a look as if burdened
With the weight of unshed tears,
And the pallor that rested on cheek and lip
Told a story of doubts and fears."
Thus I read, in the letter sent me,
From over the ocean wave;
And 'twas added, "This marriage altar
Seemed more like an open grave.
For the vows which were that day uttered,
Laid in death all the hopes of her youth,
And the ring that enclasped her future
Lacked the pearl of Love's own truth."
From over the ocean wave;
And 'twas added, "This marriage altar
Seemed more like an open grave.
For the vows which were that day uttered,
Laid in death all the hopes of her youth,
And the ring that enclasped her future
Lacked the pearl of Love's own truth."
I was grieved in my soul, and I questioned,
Why it is that hearts are so weak?
Why it is that diamonds can silence
The words true affection would speak?
Why it is that hearts are so weak?
Why it is that diamonds can silence
The words true affection would speak?
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