32
poems.
THE NUN.
"My father! canst thou calmly look
On her who once was dear to thee?
My mother! can affection brook
This solemn sacrifice to see?
So young! But unto God and heaven
Can I too young my spirit give?
Too early can the vow be given,
For Him, my guardian God, to live?
On her who once was dear to thee?
My mother! can affection brook
This solemn sacrifice to see?
So young! But unto God and heaven
Can I too young my spirit give?
Too early can the vow be given,
For Him, my guardian God, to live?
Sister! to thee mine eye would turn,
Thou who hast shared my youthful love.
But wouldst thou not the suppliant spurn?
I rest my hope, my faith, above.
Wealth! wealth!—ah, take the glittering boon;
With it my blessing and my prayer.
My sorrow too, that thou so soon,
Sister, earth's phantom joys wouldst share.
Thou who hast shared my youthful love.
But wouldst thou not the suppliant spurn?
I rest my hope, my faith, above.
Wealth! wealth!—ah, take the glittering boon;
With it my blessing and my prayer.
My sorrow too, that thou so soon,
Sister, earth's phantom joys wouldst share.
Yes, take the gift. For thee, I leave
For the cell's gloom, earth's brighter day.
What glorious wreaths the heart may weave!
How soon they wither and decay!
Then bind the pearl around my brow,
And gem my hair with diamonds bright.
Though some my lot may envy now,
A happier one is mine ere night.
For the cell's gloom, earth's brighter day.
What glorious wreaths the heart may weave!
How soon they wither and decay!
Then bind the pearl around my brow,
And gem my hair with diamonds bright.
Though some my lot may envy now,
A happier one is mine ere night.
And bid them cull the flowers of Spring,
Sweet Nature's fragrant coronet.
Sweet Nature's fragrant coronet.
