Gold tints of honey gild the softest hair

And glints of diamond fire bright the eyes,

Red rouge of sunset blazons cheeks so fair

Then fades to lips where crimson roses rise;

A smile engracing alabaster white

Spellbinds the souls of those so blessed to see,

Celestial glow encircling heart contrite

Unstained by spite or female vanity.

Oh Lord of life, what chance this beauty pure

Should walk the mortal earth and fore me stand;

The best that hope and love could yet immure

Bestowing me the gift of her sweet hand.

That life could bless us with a thousand years—

No ocean wide could hold my joyous tears.