Part 26 (1/2)

Not dark and angry like the winter storm Of selfish grief,--but full of starry gleams, And soft and still that others may not weep,-- Dews of remembered happiness descend To bless us with the gift of Christmas tears.

Ah, lose them not, dear heart,--life has no pearls More pure than memories of joy love-shared.

See, while we count them one by one with prayer, The Heavenly hope that lights the Christmas tree Has made a rainbow in our Christmas tears!

1912.

DOROTHEA

1888-1912

A deeper crimson in the rose, A deeper blue in sky and sea, And ever, as the summer goes, A deeper loss in losing thee!

A deeper music in the strain Of hermit-thrush from lonely tree; And deeper grows the sense of gain My life has found in having thee.

A deeper love, a deeper rest, A deeper joy in all I see; And ever deeper in my breast A silver song that comes from thee!

Seal Harbour, August 1, 1912.

EPIGRAMS, GREETINGS, AND INSCRIPTIONS

FOR KATRINA'S SUN-DIAL

IN HER GARDEN OF YADDO

Hours fly, Flowers die New days, New ways, Pa.s.s by.

Love stays.

Time is Too Slow for those who Wait, Too Swift for those who Fear, Too Long for those who Grieve, Too Short for those who Rejoice; But for those who Love, Time is not.

FOR KATRINA'S WINDOW

IN HER TOWER OF YADDO

This is the window's message, In silence, to the Queen: ”Thou hast a double kingdom And I am set between: Look out and see the glory, On hill and plain and sky: Look in and see the light of love That nevermore shall die!”

_L'ENVOI_