Leaves From Australian Forests

Dedication

To her who, cast with me in trying days,

Stood in the place of health and power and praise;

Who, when I thought all light was out, became

A lamp of hope that put my fears to shame;

Who faced for love's sole sake the life austere

That waits upon the man of letters here;

Who, unawares, her deep affection showed

By many a touching little wifely mode;

Whose spirit, self-denying, dear, divine,

Its sorrows hid, so it might lessen mine—

To her, my bright, best friend, I dedicate

This of songs—'t will help to compensate

For much neglect. The act, if not the rhyme,

Will touch her heart, and lead her to the time

Of trials past. That which is most intense

Within these leaves is of her influence;

And if aught here is sweetened with a tone

Sincere, like love, it came of love alone.