Mrs. Felicia Dorothea Hemans (1793–1835)

WELCOME, O pure and lovely forms, again

Unto the shadowy stillness of my room!

For not alone ye bring a joyous train

Of summer-thoughts attendant on your bloom,—

Visions of freshness, of rich bowery gloom,

Of the low murmurs filling mossy dells,

Of stars that look down on your folded bells

Through dewy leaves, of many a wild perfume,

Greeting the wanderer of the hill and grove

Like sudden music; more than this ye bring—

Far more; ye whisper of the all-fostering love

Which thus hath clothed you, and whose dove-like wing

Broods o’er the sufferer drawing fevered breath,

Whether the couch be that of life or death.