Poetry > Course of time

BOOK EIGHTH.
241
Oh, how unlike this giddy thing in Time!
And at the day of judgment how unlike !
The modest, meek, retiring dame. Her house
Was ordered well, her children taught the way
Of life, who, rising up in honour, called
Her blessed. Best pleased to be admired at home,
And hear, reflected from her husband’s praise,
Her own, she sought no gaze of foreign eye;
His praise alone, and faithful love, and trust
Reposed, was happiness enough for her.
Yet who, that saw her pass, and heard the poor
With earnest benedictions on her steps
Attend, could from obeisance keep his eye,
Or tongue from due applause ! In virtue fair,
Adorned with modesty, and matron grace
Unspeakable, and love, her face was like
The light, most welcome to the eye of man :
Refreshing most, most honoured, most desired,
Of all he saw in the dim world below.
As Morning when she shed her golden locks,
And on the dewy top of Hermon walked,
Or Zion hill; so glorious was her path.
Old men beheld, and did her reverence,
And bade their daughters look, and take from her
Example of their future life; the young
Admired, and new resolve of virtue made.
And none who was her husband asked; his air
Serene, and countenance of joy, the sign
Of inward satisfaction, as he passed
The crowd, or sat among the elders, told.
Q