the hermit
Alternate shadows crossed her mind,
With feelings deep, though undefined;
Obedience marked her inmost soul,
She knew no law save his control:
The last leaf of the fading tree
Clung not with more intensity
Unto the dark and withered bough
Than she clung to her father now.
. . . She knew young Rudolph—I loved him too,
With feelings deep, intensely true:
He was the friend of those bright years,
When hope is life, and smiles and tears
Alternately enfold the heart
'Neath visions that ere long depart,
Unveiling to the trusting mind
The world is not what it defined.
Young Rudolph's history none could tell;
There seemed a deep and mystic spell
Encircling all that could relate
To his untoward, friendless state.
None knew the tale of ages gone,
Saving the dark and stern one,
With feelings deep, though undefined;
Obedience marked her inmost soul,
She knew no law save his control:
The last leaf of the fading tree
Clung not with more intensity
Unto the dark and withered bough
Than she clung to her father now.
. . . She knew young Rudolph—I loved him too,
With feelings deep, intensely true:
He was the friend of those bright years,
When hope is life, and smiles and tears
Alternately enfold the heart
'Neath visions that ere long depart,
Unveiling to the trusting mind
The world is not what it defined.
Young Rudolph's history none could tell;
There seemed a deep and mystic spell
Encircling all that could relate
To his untoward, friendless state.
None knew the tale of ages gone,
Saving the dark and stern one,
6
