James Stanislaus Blake [1816-1873] [5]

In 1869 James wrote a poem for his wife Cornelia.

To my Wife
On the 24th Anniversary of our Marriage
7th May 1869

When first I met thee, dearest wife

Before our time of wedded life

No Maiden be she low or high

So charmed my soul or pleased mine eye.

Thy voice was musical to mine ear

-My pulse beat fast when thou wert near

-And when my hand was closed on thine

I felt 'twere bliss to call thee mine.

So thought I then - What think I now

When Time has marked with care my brow

And years have passed, full twenty-four

Of married life? - I love thee more

I have not seen, nor do I see

Maiden or wife to equal thee

For good thou art and wise and fair

-No other can with thee compare

Of all life's treasures thou art best

For him who hath thee God hath blest.[1]

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[1] "Blessed is he that dwelleth with a wise woman." Ecc.