Dear Ellen: Two Mormon Women and Their Letters

Dear Ellen, Page 059

The Romance and the Realities Beneath a snowy cloud, and scarce returning One glance on him for whom her soul is yearning: Adoring, yet repelling, proud, but weak; Conquered, commanding still; enslaved, yet spurning; Checking the words her heart would bid her speak - Love raging in her breast, but banish'd from her cheek. He who would read her thoughts, must mark unseen Her eyes full undisguis'd expression; trace, (If trace he could, while distance stretched between) The feelings, blushing, quivering on her face; He who would know her heart, must first embrace And feel it beat uncheck'd against his own; Chitt'd not by pride, or fear, or time, or place; As in a dream, unwitnessed and alone - When every fearful thought unconsciously has flown. In the collection is one sheet with poetry written on each side. On one side is the following poem, crossed out by circuitous curved lines: / loved thcc once, but it was when I shared thy heart alone When all thy actions seemed to prove Thy heart was all mine oion When on thy finely chiseled lips A smile of welcome played Whan tlwit would'st chide my tardiness If from thy side J strayed I never thought that in thy smile A serpent lurked beneath On the other side of the sheet is the more neatly written piece, obviously the thoughts she wished to be remembered in preference to that given above: 59