O SWEET surprise! Thou image of my dream, Fair maiden, seen by only passing glance, Yet shrined in memory, like saintly trance, Revealing heaven through but a single gleam! No fleeting phantom cast that dazzling beam: A living presence thou didst timely chance 'Twixt real and ideal world's romance, And hope's unbounded promises redeem. Rare angel guest hath blest me unawares, And chosen friends have cheered life's lengthening way Besides my other self, love's counterpart. But thou didst kindle love's delightful cares. Though threescore years conspire to hide that day, Thou'rt still the key that first unlocked my heart. |