Hartley Coleridge (1796–1849)

THERE is no jealousy in realms above:

The spirit, purified from earthly stain,

And knowing that its earthly loss was gain,

Transfers its property in earthly love

(Though love it was she does not yet reprove)

To her by Heaven appointed to sustain

The honored matron’s part; to bear the pain,

The joy, the duty, all things that behoove

A Christian wedded. She that dwells on high

May be a guardian angel to the wife

That her good husband chooses to supply

Her place, vacated in the noon of life;

With holy gladness may support the bride

Through happy cares, to her by death denied.