THE MADONNA DI SAN SISTO = 385 
THE MADONNA DI SAN SISTO 
[These verses, written and published at the age of nineteen, are 
here preserved, partly from their association with my dear old friend 
and college teacher, Professor Longfellow, who liked them well 
enough to include them in his “ Estray,” in 1847.] 
Loox down into my heart, 
Thou holy Mother, with thy holy Son! 
Read all my thoughts, and bid the doubts 
depart, 
And all the fears be done. 
I lay my spirit bare, 
O blesséd ones! beneath your wondrous eyes, 
And not in vain; ye hear my heartfelt prayer, 
And your twin-gaze replies. 
What says it? All that life 
Demands of those who live, to be and do, — 
Calmness, in all its bitterest, deepest strife ; 
Courage, till all is through. 
Thou Mother ! in thy sight 
‘Can aught of passion or despair remain ? 
Beneath those eyes’ serene and holy light 
The soul is bright again. 
Thou Son! whose earnest gaze 
Looks ever forward, fearless, steady, strong ; 
