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

By Louise ChandlerMoulton

623 Laura Sleeping

COME hither and behold this lady’s face,

Who lies asleep, as if strong Death had kissed

Upon her eyes the kiss none can resist,

And held her fast in his prolonged embrace!

See the still lips, which grant no answering grace

To Love’s fond prayers, and the sweet, carven smile,

Sign of some dream-born joy which did beguile

The dreaming soul from its fair resting-place!

So will she look when Death indeed has sway

O’er her dear loveliness, and holds her fast

In that last sleep which knows nor night nor day,

Which hopes no future, contemplates no past;

So will she look; but now, behold! she wakes—

Thus, from the Night, Dawn’s sunlit beauty breaks.