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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LOUISE SCHELPER; SERVANT AND FRIEND OF OBERLIN by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS

Poet Analysis

First Line: A FEARLESS JOURNEYER O'ER THE MOUNTAIN-SNOW
Last Line: WHEN THE GLAD HUMAN SOUL LIFTS A THANKSGIVING VOICE!
Subject(s): ADVICE; CHILDREN; HOUSEHOLD EMPLOYEES; OBERLIN, JOHANN FRIEDRICH (1740-1826); CHILDHOOD; SERVANTS; DOMESTICS; MAIDS;

A FEARLESS journeyer o'er the mountain-snow
Wert thou, Louise! The sun's decaying light
Oft, with its latest, melancholy glow,
Reddened thy steep, wild way: the starry night
Oft met thee, crossing some lone eagle's height,
Piercing some dark ravine: and many a dell
Knew, through its ancient rock-recesses well,
Thy gentle presence, which hath made them bright
Oft in mid-storms -- oh! not with beauty's eye,
Nor the proud glance of genius keenly burning;
No! pilgrim of unwearying charity!
Thy spell was @3love@1 -- the mountain-deserts turning
To blessed realms, where stream and rock rejoice
When the glad human soul lifts a thanksgiving voice!



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