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THE LOVER'S TALE.
The careful burthen of our tender years
Trembled upon the other. He that gave
Her life, to me delightedly fulfil'd
All lovingkindnesses, all offices
Of watchful care and trembling tenderness.
He waked for both: he prayed for both: he slept
Dreaming of both: nor was his love the less
Because it was divided, and shot forth
Boughs on each side, laden with wholesome shade,
Wherein we nested sleeping or awake,
And sang aloud the matin-song of life.
She was my foster-sister: on one arm
The flaxen ringlets of our infancies
Wander'd, the while we rested: one soft lap
Pillow'd us both: a common light of eyes
Was on us as we lay: our baby lips,
Kissing one bosom, ever drew form thence
