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By the Sea, and Other Verses

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<h2>MARGARET LEE</h2> <div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> Margaret Lee—you do not know her? Rightly named—a pearl is she; Half a score of years I've loved her— Precious Margaret Lee. </div> <div class="stanza"> "Dimples?" No; nor "golden tresses," Nor yet "voice of silvery tone";— If such phrases must express her, [Pg 72] Beauty she has none. </div> <div class="stanza"> Soft brown hair and grey eyes dreaming Visions that none others see; Plain her features; you might call her Homely Margaret Lee. </div> <div class="stanza"> Margaret owns no stately mansion, Carries not a heavy purse; Heiress to no "lordly acres," Humble station hers. </div> <div class="stanza"> Quietly she treads life's highway; Quiet, yet with noble mien; 'Mid the lowly, 'mid the lofty Journeying like a queen. </div> <div class="stanza"> Some have called her cold and haughty, From her bearing, high and free; Some have said a lofty spirit Dwells with Margaret Lee. </div> <div class="stanza"> Why then do the "heavy-laden" Hail with joy her coming nigh? Why the childern love her shadow As she passeth by? </div> <div class="stanza"> Some have deemed her weak, erratic. Some, too self-reliant, strong; One avers, her mood too gloomy; One, too light her song. </div> <div class="stanza"> All may be; the clouds of error Ofttimes overshade her way, Hiding where the rough and changeful Paths of duty lay. </div> <div class="stanza"> But unseen by mortal vision [Pg 73] Daily bends a suppliant knee; Humbly bows a contrite spirit— Praying Margaret Lee— </div> <div class="stanza"> Asking of the All-forgiving Pardon for her erring life; Seeking wisdom, faith and patience For its coming strife. </div> <div class="stanza"> So with footstep sometimes faltering, But with steadfast hope in God, Keeps she still a blithesome journey O'er the earthly road. </div> <div class="stanza"> And at last all loss and failure Lost in mercy, it may be Heaven's gate of pearl will open For sweet Margaret Lee. </div> <div class="stanza"> There redeemed from sin and sorrow, There from care and conflict free; She will walk the angel city, Angel Margaret Lee. </div> </div> <hr class="chap" />[Pg 74] <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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