SONNET,
TO MY SISTER, MRS. W. R.
The many virtues which, with chastened light,
Have made thy pathway lovely, and have shed
A halo of bright hopes around thy head,
Thrilling with heavenly thought and pure delight
Thy breast, amid the gloom of sorrow's night;
Sweet soother of the ills that others share!
And softly lightened every hour of care,
Making each bright hour shine forth still more bright,
Oh, not in vain I gaze on—and the years
Of fond affection I with thee have past,
Shall, in their sweetness, in my memory last,
In the blest home another's smile endears;
While thought of thee shall often there inspire
Duty's calm toil, and virtue's high desire!
Have made thy pathway lovely, and have shed
A halo of bright hopes around thy head,
Thrilling with heavenly thought and pure delight
Thy breast, amid the gloom of sorrow's night;
Sweet soother of the ills that others share!
And softly lightened every hour of care,
Making each bright hour shine forth still more bright,
Oh, not in vain I gaze on—and the years
Of fond affection I with thee have past,
Shall, in their sweetness, in my memory last,
In the blest home another's smile endears;
While thought of thee shall often there inspire
Duty's calm toil, and virtue's high desire!