Poems (Dudley)/A Gift

For works with similar titles, see A Gift.


A GIFT.
I OPENED my door in the Autumn's soft splendor,And noontide rushed inward, calm, regal and tender;A harp from the bridal, from tumult and tears,Stole music from silence to ravish my ears;
Interwoven of perfumes and exquisite dyesFrom Araby's bowers and Italy's skies;It came like a hope and I fervently blessDear hands that thus proffered their blooming caress:
If kindness could kill one, 'twere bliss thus to dieAnd burdened with blessings go home to the sky;No time can defraud me; when rich hues grow paleThe heart of the giver I'll hide 'neath their veil.