brow?
     What sayst thou?" We muse once again,
     Ere long, be severed by the main!"
     I knew not this—I deemed no more
     Thy step would err from Britain's shore.

     "Duty commands!" 'Tis true—'tis just;
     Thy slightest word I wholly trust,
     Nor by request, nor faintest sigh,
     Would I to turn thy purpose try;
     But, William, hear my solemn vow—
     Hear and confirm!—with thee I go.

     "Distance and suffering," didst thou say?
     "Danger by night, and toil by day?"
     Oh, idle words and vain are these;
     Hear me! I cross with thee the seas.
     Such risk as thou must meet and dare,
     I—thy true wife—will duly share.

     Passive, at home, I will not pine;
     Thy toils, thy perils shall be mine;
     Grant this—and be hereafter paid
     By a warm heart's devoted aid:
     'Tis granted—with that yielding kiss,
     Entered my soul unmingled bliss.

     Thanks, William, thanks! thy love has joy,
     Pure, undefiled with base alloy;
     'Tis not a passion, false and blind,
     Inspires, enchains, absorbs my mind;
     Worthy, I feel, art thou to be
     Loved with my perfect energy.

     This evening now shall sweetly flow,
     Lit by our clear fire's happy glow;
     And parting's peace-embittering fear,
     Is warned our hearts to come not near;
     For fate admits my soul's decree,
     In bliss or bale—to go with thee!