As a most happy mother feels the stir br Of that new life which quickens with her life, br And knows that virtue has gone forth from her br To doubly sanctify the name of wife; br Yet, for her joy's sake, and because pride br Is too unutterably sanctified, br And all the heaven of heavens within her breast br Too dearly and too intimately possessed, br Speaks not a word, but folds her new delight br With a rapt silence, comforting as night; br So, when I felt the quickening life that came br To bid my life's long-slumbering currents move, br I set the seal of silence on your name, br And, for my love's sake, never told my love.