Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By George TracyElliot1184 Winter Twilight
S
Before her noble lady’s radiant face
Doth slowly come, with gentle, quiet pace,
And draweth rose and azure curtains light
Around the snowy couch, so pure, so white,
Whereon her mistress soon will rest. With grace
Celestial she doth cover every trace
Of toil, and daily soil doth hide from sight.
So would I that before thy face my love
Might gently move, and ever from above
Such tender beauty draw about thy way
That when thou liest down to nightly rest
Earth-thoughts should fade, and there should only stay
The peace of heaven within thy tranquil breast.