[168] Compare the poem _To the Daisy_ (1802), beginning-- Bright Flower! whose home is everywhere. ED. THE WIDOW ON WINDERMERE SIDE Published 1842 [The facts recorded in this Poem were given me, and the character of the person described, by my friend the Rev. R. P. Graves,[169] who has long officiated as curate at Bowness, to the great benefit of the parish and neighbourhood. The individual was well known to him. She died before these verses were composed. It is scarcely worth while to notice that the stanzas are written in the sonnet form, which was adopted when I thought the matter might be included in twenty-eight lines.--I.F.] One of the “Poems founded on the Affections.”--ED. I How beautiful when up a lofty height Honour ascends among the humblest poor, And feeling sinks as deep! See there the door Of One, a Widow, left beneath a weight Of blameless debt. On evil Fortune’s spite 5 She wasted no complaint, but strove to make A just repayment, both for conscience-sake And that herself and hers should stand upright In the world’s eye. Her work when daylight failed Paused not, and through the depth of night she kept 10 Such earnest vigils, that belief prevailed With some, the noble Creature never slept; But, one by one, the hand of death assailed Her children from her inmost heart bewept. II The Mother mourned, nor ceased her tears to flow, 15 Till a winter’s noon-day placed her buried Son Before her eyes, last child of many gone-- His raiment of angelic white, and lo! His very feet bright as the dazzling snow Which they are touching; yea far brighter, even 20 As that which comes, or seems to come, from heaven, Surpasses aught these elements can show. Much she rejoiced, trusting that from that hour Whate’er befel she could not grieve or pine; But the Transfigured, in and out of season, 25 Appeared, and spiritual presence gained a power Over material forms that mastered reason. Oh, gracious Heaven, in pity make her thine! III