While once she used to go her way unheeding The lesser beauties strewn about her feet, Time wrought its change; most other things receding, Earth's simple joys grew doubly dear and sweet . . . To touch a velvet petal with a finger, Or see the first red rosy flush of dawn, Or where the opal tints of sunset linger, To watch the shadows creep across the lawn, While some beloved melody comes stealing Across the fields; at dawn to breathe the musk Of rain-wet leaves; see darkness fall, revealing God's stars, or moth wings fan the garden at dusk . . . All these she knew, and still found time for dreaming With poets weaving garlands for each day . . . She found a deep content, ever esteeming That pain was not too great a price to pay. |