“OH WHAT A WRECK! HOW CHANGED IN MIEN AND SPEECH!”
OH what a Wreck! how changed in mien and speech! Yet–though dread Powers, that work in mystery, spin Entanglings of the brain; though shadows stretch O’er the chilled heart–reflect; far, far within Hers is a holy Being, freed from Sin. She is not what she seems, a forlorn wretch; But delegated Spirits comfort fetch To Her from heights that Reason may not win. Like Children, She is privileged to hold Divine communion; both do live and move, 10 Whate’er to shallow Faith their ways unfold, Inly illumined by Heaven’s pitying love; Love pitying innocence not long to last, In them–in Her our sins and sorrows past. 1838.