And I thrilled at the graceful poise of her head

And the radiant smile of my love when she said,

"Why James, you know that I love you."

Nymph-like her lithe form swayed as in dance,

I awkwardly sat at the reel—

A moment's surcease of monotonous thrum,—

Melodious the lull in the song and the hum

Of Ruth and the Old Spinning Wheel!

The glow of the incandescent light

Has banished the tallow candle;

And the ox-cart is gone at steam's rapid flight,

But Love is too subtle, is too recondite

For Learning or Genius to handle.

All honor to Science, let her keep her mad pace,

I abate not a tittle her zeal;

But the splendors of life can never efface

The picture of Ruth in plain rustic grace

Who wrought at the Old Spinning Wheel!

[Pg 20]

[Pg 20]

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