Page:Selections from the American poets (IA selectamerpoet00bryarich).pdf/241

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Caroline Gilman.
237
We know not, and we ne'er may know,
The hidden springs of joy and wo
 That deep within thee lie:
The silent workings of thy heart,
They almost seem to have a part
 With our humanity!

TO A YOUNG MOTHER.

Belinda! the young blossom that doth lie
So lightly on thy thy bosom, clasp it there:
For on her brow an empress doth not wear,
Nor in her jewell'd zone, a gem more fair,
Or that doth deck her more becomingly.
Forget not, then, that deep within thy flower
The germes lie hid of lovelier, holier things:
Filial affection, that spontaneous springs
High truth and maiden purity; the power
That comes of gentleness; ay, and more,
Piety, nourish'd in the bosom's core:
These, if so cherish'd, shall thy blossom bear,
And with the dews of heavenly love impearl'd,
It shall adorn thee in another world.

Caroline Gilman.

TO ———.

Oh, pure and gentle ones, within your ark
    Securely rest!
Blue be the sky above; your quiet bark
    By soft winds bless'd!

Still toil in duty and commune with Heaven,
    World-wean'd and free:
God to his humblest creatures room has given,
    And space to be.

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