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EMMA C. EMBURY. 227

Not all another's happier love
Those bright tints can efface;
Her lot must be a joyous one,
If thou her fate control,
But I have known that higher bliss--
A union of the soul.

Farewell, beloved one: when thy brow
The laurel-crown shall bind,
When men are taught by thee to own
The sovereignty of mind,
Then think of one who looks on thee
With more than woman's pride,
And glories in the thought that she
Has been thy spirit's bride.

MAIDEN PURITY.

(THE LILY OF THE NILE.)

BE thine the emblem, sweet one -- watch and pray,
Win thy young, stainless heart from earthly things;
Oh! wait not thou till life's bright morning ray 
Only o'er blighted hopes its radiance flings,
But give to Heaven thy sinless spirit now,
Ere sorrow's tracery mar thy placid brow.

Sinless and pure thou art, yet is thy soul
Filled with a maiden's vague and pleasant dreams,
Sweet fantasies that mock at truth's control,
Like atoms round thee float in fancy beams;
But trust them not, young dreamer -- bid them flee,
They have deceived all others, and will thee.

Well can I read thy thoughts -- thy gentle heart
(Already woman's in its wish to bless)
Now longs for one to whom it may impart
Its untold wealth of hidden tenderness,