I OPENED my door in the Autumn's soft splendor, And noontide rushed inward, calm, regal and tender; A harp from the bridal, from tumult and tears, Stole music from silence to ravish my ears;
Interwoven of perfumes and exquisite dyes From Araby's bowers and Italy's skies; It came like a hope and I fervently bless Dear hands that thus proffered their blooming caress:
If kindness could kill one, 'twere bliss thus to die And burdened with blessings go home to the sky; No time can defraud me; when rich hues grow pale The heart of the giver I'll hide 'neath their veil.