THE past had dowered her with treasures rare— Lace like dream-gossamer, as frail and fine; Old books that bore the family book-sign; Real Lowestoft and Sheffield; crystal fair; And jewelry too old and dear to wear; The portraits of the forbears of her line; Mahogany on which they used to dine— She worshipped them and lived to give them care! After the fire ... we scarcely dared to name Her loss ... but when we, hesitating, came To comfort her, she met us quietly, And, with dry eyes, said "Do not pity me, But for the blindness that has made me give All of my life to—@3thing!@1 Now I shall live!" |