The same thanksgiving, the same burning prayer.

Yes, we have lived together; we have known

The visible blending of the outward life

Made real by the holier unison

Of loving spirit and aspiring mind.

The spells of joy have bound us—and of hope,

And tears—which are the diamond links of love—

Have made the chain of our affection strong.

It may be thus no more; yet—God is good—

I hush the moaning of my riven heart,

And smile that thou art happy; and give thanks

That thy sweet life, rejoicing, hath put on

Its richest diadem, its crown of love.

May the kind Father grant that crown to be

All worthy of the wearer; may His smile

Lend brightness to it ever; and at last,

When it is laid with earthly robes away,

O may the infinite and eternal Love

Rest like a glory on thy radiant brow.

[Pg 27]

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