I.

Years flowed away and never brought
The weary weight of care to Jane;
They prompted pity, wonder, thought,
The strength of life without the pain.

II.

To her new beauty largely given
From deeper fountains looked and smiled;
And, like a morning dream from heaven,
The woman gleamed within the child.

III.

Her looks were oftener turned to earth,
But every glance was lovelier now;
'Twas plain that light of inward birth
Now kissed the sunshine round her brow.

IV.

Withdrawn was she from passing eyes
By more than Fortune's outward law,
By bashful thoughts like silent sighs,
By Feeling's lone, retiring awe.

V.

So fair the veil that twilight weaves
Around its golden shows,
Or shadow of its own green leaves
Upon the crimson rose.

VI.

And she had reached a higher state,
Though infant joys about her clung;
With gaze more fixed a graver fate
Above her beauty hung.

VII.

So fares it still with human life,
Which, ever journeying on,
Unconscious climbs from peace to strife,
Till new ascents be won.

VIII.

And thus about her youth was spread
The shadow thrown by coming Time,
The expectance deepening o'er her head
Of passion's sad Sublime;

IX.

While all that on the dreadless flower
The war of Will and Doom may bring,
Unseen, though near, awaits the hour
When that loud bell shall ring.

X.

Heavy and sharp came down the blow
On her who had no shield of pride;
Who never felt the grasp of woe
Until her mother died.