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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


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

Poet Analysis

First Line: FOR THOU, A HOLY SHEPHERDESS AND KIND
Last Line: MUST WAIT THEE, WANDERER! ON THY SAVIOUR'S BREAST.
Subject(s): HOUSEHOLD EMPLOYEES; OBERLIN, JOHANN FRIEDRICH (1740-1826); SERVANTS; DOMESTICS; MAIDS;

FOR thou, a holy shepherdess and kind,
Through the pine forests, by the upland rills,
Didst roam to seek the children of the hills,
A wild, neglected flock! to seek, and find,
And meekly win! there feeding each young mind
With balms of heavenly eloquence: not @3thine@1,
Daughter of Christ! but His, whose love Divine
Its own clear spirit in thy breast had shrined,
A burning light! Oh! beautiful, in truth,
Upon the mountains are the feet of those
Who bear His tidings! From thy morn of youth,
For this were all thy journeyings; and the close
Of that long path, heaven's own bright sabbath-rest,
Must wait thee, wanderer! on thy Saviour's breast.



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