colby_fam_b2_f29_44

Memories July 30 '48

Does thou remember, Sally, that [xxx] starlight hour
When together we stood and gazed on the broad
Expansive map of night, spread out in sparkling
Beauty - and when we listened close to the hushed music
Of Nature's choir - and Youth and Hope breathed
A low sweet melody in our souls - vibrating sweetly
In unison with that great [Hymn?], which conscious
Nature has sung since the first [season] of [Christianity?]
Does remember that hour so happy then - so dear to
Memory now: Yes I remember [xxx] it well, as ever,
With thoughts of that there comes a sweet recollection
'Twas then the dark curtain was lifted off thy spirit;
And gazing far down in the {xxxxx} depths of thy soul
Sanctuary, I saw the bright fountains of thought - sleeping
In silent beauty - there _ like a sweet stream of pure
Crystal water, gushing in the solitude of some old
Forest bower; reflecting from its mirrored [?xx], aught but
[following lines to the end are half crossed through on the right]
Forms of angelic beauty _ the white floating cloud _
The bright stars _ the azure sky _ and gleaming in
The moonlight. Thus thoughts bright Fount should be
Hid from all, save a few chosen ones of tired hearts
And kindred souls. When we meet with such low
Sweet {Sr] "give frank utterances, to every thought and
Win theirs in return" _ To [Form?] from Feelings' gushing Fount
Our hundred treasurers of unspeakable things _ To breathe
Low, in the listening ear of a friend, those heart yearnings
That thrill the soul with a sweet delicious sadness _
To speak the Fears that clothe in sombre hue the canvass
Of Futility _ to breathe the Hope, the newborn trembling
Hopes that cheer the youthful heart, sweet Angel guests, and
Tame it will to Harmony. To give a low, half audible voice.