名人诗歌|THE WIFE'S WILL

Sit stilla worda breath may break （As light airs stir a sleeping lake） The glassy calm that soothes^{1 my woes The sweet, the deep, the full repose2. O leave me not！ for ever be Thus, more than life itself to me！}

Yes, close beside thee let me kneel Give me thy hand, that I may feel The friend so trueso triedso dear, My heart's own chosenindeed is near； And check me notthis hour pine Belongs to meis fully^{3 mine.}

'Tis thy own hearth^{4 thou sitt'st beside, After long absencewandering wide； 'Tis thy own wife reads in thine eyes A promise clear of stormless skies； For faith and true love light the rays Which shine responsive to her gaze.}

Ay,well that single tear may fall； Ten thousand might mine eyes recall, Which from their lids ran blinding fast, In hours of grief, yet scarcely past； Well mayst thou speak of love to me, For, oh！ most trulyI love thee！

Yet smilefor we are happy now. Whence, then, that sadness on thy brow？ What sayst thou？ We muse^{5 once again, Ere long, be severed6 by the main！ I knew not thisI deemed no more Thy step would err7 from Britain's shore.}

Duty commands！ 'Tis true'tis just； Thy slightest word I wholly trust, Nor by request, nor faintest sigh, Would I to turn thy purpose try； But, William, hear my solemn vow Hear and /confirm/i！with thee I go.

Distance and suffering, didst thou say？ Danger by night, and toil^{8 by day？ Oh, idle words and vain are these； Hear me！ I cross with thee the seas. Such risk as thou must meet and dare, Ithy true wifewill duly share.}

Passive, at home, I will not pine； Thy toils^{9, thy perils10 shall be mine； Grant thisand be hereafter paid By a warm heart's devoted11 aid： 'Tis grantedwith that yielding kiss, Entered my soul unmingled bliss12.}

Thanks, William, thanks！ thy love has joy, Pure, undefiled with base alloy^{13； 'Tis not a passion, false and blind, Inspires, enchains, absorbs my mind； Worthy14, I feel, art thou to be Loved with my perfect energy.}

This evening now shall sweetly flow, Lit by our clear fire's happy glow； And parting's peace-embittering fear, Is warned our hearts to come not near； For fate admits my soul's decree, In bliss or baleto go with thee！