Lines For The Late Caroline K.’s Album

Like thine own Album, which lies here before me,
  Life is a volume. Sweetly some are writ
  In sanctity; as when mild Guido's pencil
  Portrays some Sybil-saint—her eye upturned
  On Seraph-teacher—with whose word her pen
  Moves in accord. All such with record stored
  Of heavenward aspirations, and, not less,
  Of earthly loves and charities—as holy—
  Each stain—if stain there be from the world's handling—
  Cleansed from their pages, shall librarian Spirits
  Hang on celestial shelves; thence oft perused
  By higher natures, not unpleased to learn
  Of this our nether sphere.

  Beloved friend!
  Who for thyself still doubtest—still the more
  For those meek doubts—Thy volume shall be there.