And thou, much honour’d Madam, even thou Faultless art not, nor free from failings now. “What, then, is wanting?” askest thou and starest,-- A bosom, and a soul within it, fairest! 8. PIOUS WARNING. When thou dost quit this mortal abode, Immortal spirit, beware thee Lest dangers seek to ensnare thee; Through death and night conducteth the road. The soldiers of God at the golden door Of the city of light are collected; Here actions and deeds are respected, Mere name and station avail no more. The pilgrim leaves at the portal behind His shoes so heavy and dusty; O enter with confidence trusty, Soft slippers, sweet music, and rest thou’lt find. 9. THE COOLED-DOWN ONE. When we are dead, we long must lie Within the tomb; distress’d am I, Yes, sad am I that resurrection Delays so long to give perfection. Once more, before the light of life Is quench’d, before this weary strife Is o’er, fain would I, ere I perish, Have woman’s love, to bless and cherish. Some fair one I would now invite With eyes as soft as moonbeams’ light; No more I relish the advances Of wild brunettes with burning glances. Young men, exulting in their youth, Prefer tumultuous love in truth. With them excitement’s all the fashion, And soul-enthralling mutual passion. No longer young, bereft of power, As I, alas! am at this hour, I fain once more would love in quiet, And happy be,--without a riot. 10. SOLOMON. The drums, trumps, cornets at length sink to slumber; By Solomon’s couch, as he lieth sleeping, Full-girded angels the watch are keeping, On either side six thousand in number. The monarch protect they from cares while dreaming, And as he frowns in his slumbers nightly, From out of their sheaths straight draw they lightly Twelve thousand swords, all fiercely gleaming. But presently back in their sheaths are falling The angels’ swords. The brow of the sleeper Grows smooth, his slumber is softer and deeper, And soon his lips are gently calling: “O Sulamith, thou whom so dearly I cherish! “O’er countries and kingdoms I rule, great and glorious, “Of Israel and Judah the monarch victorious, “But if thou’lt not love me, I wither and perish.” 11. LOST WISHES. Similar in disposition, Like a brother link’d to brother, We unconsciously were ever Growing fonder of each other. Each one knew the other’s meaning, Just as if we were omniscient; Words, in fact, we found superfluous, And a look was quite sufficient. How I long’d to have thee near me, Revelling in peace and plenty, As my staunch and valiant comrade In a dolce far niente!