XL.

And in the porch or on the green,
And in the pause between the prayers,
She marked each various face and mien,
With eyes that softened theirs.

XLI.

She marked the hoary head serene,
Or happy look of youthful glow,
As if a sunbeam played between
Those hearts and hers to warm her so.

XLII.

And brows where darker passions wrought,
And strength with more of ill than good,
Would stamp upon her infant thought
A fear not understood.

XLIII.

She turned from these and blushed, and heard
With deeper sense the prayer and praise,
And oft her soul was vaguely stirred
By Israel's old prophetic lays.

XLIV.

The child between her parents knelt,
Who prayed the more to God above,
Because so close to them they felt
The dearest gift of heavenly love.

XLV.

And well that heart the mother knew
Which he but as from far could prize;
For scarce an impulse in it grew
But Mary first had seen it rise.