By the Sea, and Other Verses — To Winnie

ON HER WEDDING DAY

Stars will shine on, tho thou art gone, But we shall miss the gleaming Of one bright eye's responsive smile, And love-light softly beaming.

And flowers will bloom,--but we shall miss A fragrance and a beauty That brightened for us here and there The sombre path of duty.

And friends will greet us on our way, But we shall miss the sweetness Of a fair presence that hath made So much of life's completeness.

And yet 'tis well; we give thee joy, And pray with this caressing;

That love and peace without alloy May be thy bridal blessing.

A LIFE WORK