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THE DOOM OF THE PRYNNES.
Like, but more blessed than, a child asleep ;
While his, with smiling lips, bent over her,
As though he shielded her from dazzling light —
The light of joy that in their faces shone,
The joy of those for whom all life and love,
Condensed into one nectar drop of dew,
Exhaled to Heaven, ere it touched the dust.
I pray I may not see such light again
Until mine eyes have gained immortal strength.
Veiling my face within my trembling hands,
I groped my way out to the darkened world,
And, dull with sorrow, murmured Agnes' prayer :
" A moment's bliss, dear Lord, before we die ! "