Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912.
Nathaniel Parker Willis 18061867
Nathaniel Parker Willis51 Unseen Spirits
T
’T was near the twilight-tide—
And slowly there a lady fair
Was walking in her pride.
Alone walked she; but, viewlessly,
Walked spirits at her side.
And Honor charmed the air; And all astir looked kind on her, And called her good as fair— For all God ever gave to her She kept with chary care. From lovers warm and true— For her heart was cold to all but gold, And the rich came not to woo— But honored well are charms to sell If priests the selling do. A slight girl, lily-pale; And she had unseen company To make the spirit quail— ’Twixt Want and Scorn she walked forlorn, And nothing could avail. For this world’s peace to pray; For, as love’s wild prayer dissolved in air, Her woman’s heart gave way!— But the sin forgiven by Christ in heaven By man is cursed alway!