FORMAL VERSES.

Mother of all my future memories,

Mistress of my new life, which but to-day

Began, when I beheld, deep in your eyes,

My own love mirrored and the warm surprise

Of the first kiss swept both our souls away,

Your love has freed me; for I was oppressed

By my own devil, whose unwholesome breath

Tarnished my youth, leaving to me at best

Age lacking comfort of a soul at rest

And weariness beyond the hope of death.