Could she waver when he bade her take the burden of decision,

Since his troth to her was plighted, and his life was now her own?

Could she doom him to inaction? could she, when a newborn vision

Rose in glory for his future, check it for her sake alone?

So her little trembling fingers, that had toiled with such fond

Paused, and laid aside, and folded the unfinished wedding gown;

Faltering earnestly assurance, that she too could, in her measure,

Prize for him the present honour, and the future's sure renown.