The Widow.

The Maiden grew
Pious and pure, modest and yet so brave,
Though young, so wise, though meek, so resolute.

      Grace Darling.

          In her face and mien
    The soul’s pure brightness he beheld,
    Without a veil between.

      The Russian Fugitive.

    We her discretion have observed,
    Her just opinions, delicate reserve,
    Her patience, and humility of mind. 
    Unspoiled by commendation....

      The Borderers.

    O Lady, worthy of earth’s proudest throne! 
    Nor less, by excellence of nature, fit
    Beside an unambitious hearth to sit
    Domestic queen, where grandeur is unknown;
    What living man could fear
    The worst of Fortune’s malice, wert thou near,
    Humbling that lily-stem, thy sceptre meek,
    That its fair flowers may from his cheek
    Brush the too happy tear!

The Triad.

Queen, and handmaid lowly! 
Whose skill can speed the day with lively cares,
And banish melancholy
By all that mind invents or hand prepares;
* * * * *
Who that hath seen thy beauty could content
His soul with but a glimpse!

The Triad.

      Dear girl ... 

If thou appear untouched by solemn thought,
Thy nature is not therefore less divine;
Thou liest in Abraham’s bosom all the year;
And worshipp’st at the Temple’s inner shrine,
God being with thee when we know it not.

Sonnet.

         I knew a maid,
    A young enthusiast ... 
    Her eye was not the mistress of her heart;
    Far less did rules prescribed by passive taste
    Or barren, intermeddling subtleties,
    Perplex her mind; but wise as women are
    When genial circumstance hath favoured them,
    She welcomed what was given, and craved no more,
    Whate’er the scene presented to her view. 
    That was the best, to that she was attuned
    By her benign simplicity of life,
    ...  God delights
    In such a being; for her common thoughts
    Are piety, her life is gratitude.

The Prelude.

Sweet girl, a very shower
Of beauty is thy earthly dower!... 
Never saw I mien, or face,
In which more plainly I could trace
Benignity and homebred sense
Ripening in perfect innocence.
* * * * *
A face with gladness overspread! 
Soft smiles, by human kindness bred! 
And seemliness complete, that sways
Thy courtesies, about three plays.

To A Highland Girl.

A maiden ... 
Lovely as spring’s first note ...  Pure
As beautiful, and gentle and benign.
* * * * *
A Flower.... 
Fairest of all flowers was she.... 
She hath an eye that smiles into all hearts,
* * * * *
Soon would her gentle words make peace.