Silence sits often on me as I touch
Her presence; I am like a bird that hears
A note diviner than it knows, and fears
To share the larger harmony too much.

My soul leaps up, as to a sudden sound
A long-lost traveller, when, by her grace,
I learn of her life’s sweetness face to face,
And sweep the chords of sympathies profound.

Her regal nature calmly holds its height
Above life’s din, while moving in its maze.
Unworthy thoughts would die within her sight,

And mean deeds creep to darkness from her gaze.
Yet only in my dreams can I set down
The word that gives her nobleness a crown.