LINES ADDRESSED TO HARRIET BRUCE.
Best friend, and dearest! thou who didst bring joy
To my lone hours of sadness; whose calm mind
View'd, in its own meek wisdom, all the care
That press'd in dark confusion over mine,
And gave the wish'd-for aid, and led my soul
To look to that bright star of hope, whose light
Beams with immortal glory;—from the world
Call'd back my wav'ring steps;—the faint resolve
Made steadfast;—unto thee, dear friend, with grief
My last adieu I write. Oh, fare thee well!
May'st thou receive the crown of lasting joys,
With heav'nly pleasures here;—peace be with thee;
Calm be the tenor of thy useful life,
And heaven thy rest.
Randolph, Vt., 1845.
To my lone hours of sadness; whose calm mind
View'd, in its own meek wisdom, all the care
That press'd in dark confusion over mine,
And gave the wish'd-for aid, and led my soul
To look to that bright star of hope, whose light
Beams with immortal glory;—from the world
Call'd back my wav'ring steps;—the faint resolve
Made steadfast;—unto thee, dear friend, with grief
My last adieu I write. Oh, fare thee well!
May'st thou receive the crown of lasting joys,
With heav'nly pleasures here;—peace be with thee;
Calm be the tenor of thy useful life,
And heaven thy rest.
Randolph, Vt., 1845.