James Russell Lowell (1819–1891)

MAIDEN! when such a soul as thine is born,

The morning stars their ancient music make,

And, joyful, once again their song awake,

Long silent now with melancholy scorn;

And thou, not mindless of so blest a morn,

By no least deed its harmony shalt break,

But shalt to that high chime thy footsteps take,

Through life’s most darksome passes unforlorn:

Therefore from thy pure faith thou shalt not fall,

Therefore shalt thou be ever fair and free,

And in thine every motion musical

As summer-air, majestic as the sea,

A mystery to those who creep and crawl

Through Time, and part it from Eternity!