Classic Poem

If I could speak thy gentle grace,
Which far surpasses word,
This rhyme were sweeter, now I trace,
Than ever yet was heard;
For here would blend the morning's glee,
And peace of evening's close,
With music of the summer sea,
And fragrance of the rose.

But since affection's tender strain,
And passion's fervid line,
Would seem but idle, weak, and vain
To goodness such as thine,
Let all my life avouch thy worth,
And all my love thy praise!
For never woman walked on earth
In more angelic ways!

I've seen life's golden prime depart,
And evening, cold and gray,
With moaning winds that chill the heart,
Fall darkly round my way;
But, in thy pure affection blest,
My soul can still descry
One rift of sunshine in the west,
One hope that cannot die!