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<h3><span class="smcap">Domestic Bliss</span><br/> IV</h3>
<p class="poetry">Sequestered in their calm domestic bower,<br/>
They sat together. He in manhood’s
prime<br/>
And she a matron in her fullest flower.<br/>
The mantel clock gave forth a warning chime.<br/>
She put her work aside; his bright cigar<br/>
Grew pale, and crumbled in an ashen heap.<br/>
The lights went out, save one remaining star<br/>
That watched beside the children in their sleep.<br
/>
She hummed a little song and nestled near,<br/>
As side by side they went to their repose.<br/>
<SPAN name="page47"></SPAN><span class="pagenum"></span>His arm
about her waist, he whispered “Dear,”<br/>
And pressed his lips upon her mouth’s full
rose—<br/>
The sacred sweetness of their wedded life<br/>
Breathed in that kiss of husband and of wife.</p>
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