Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Alice WellingtonRollins

976 Vita Benefica

ON softest pillows my dim eyes unclose;

No pain,—delicious weariness instead;

Sweet silence broods around the quiet bed,

And round me breathes the fragrance of the rose.

The moonlight leans against the pane, and shows

The little leaves outside in watchful dread

Keeping their guard; while with swift, noiseless tread

Love in its lovelier service comes and goes.

A hand I love brings nectar; near me bends

A face I love; ah! it is over!—this

Indeed is heaven. Could I only tell

Dear ones whose hearts the sorrow for me rends

How easily one meets Death’s gentle kiss,—

And then I woke—to find that I was well!