Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By George WashingtonDewey

335 Blind Louise

SHE knew that she was growing blind,—

Foresaw the dreary night

That soon would fall, without a star,

Upon her fading sight;

Yet never did she make complaint,

But prayed each day might bring

A beauty to her waning eyes,—

The loveliness of spring!

She dreaded that eclipse which might

Perpetually enclose

Sad memories of a leafless world,

A spectral realm of snows.

She ’d rather that the verdure left

An evergreen to shine

Within her heart, as summer leaves

Its memory on the pine.

She had her wish; for when the sun

O’erhung his eastern towers,

And shed his benediction on

A world of May-time flowers,

We found her seated, as of old,

In her accustomed place,

A midnight in her sightless eyes,

And morn upon her face!