Note 410:1 — TO TWO SISTERS[410:1]
Reading edition
First published in The Courier, December 10, 1807, with the signature SIESTI. First collected in P. and D. W., 1877-80. The following abbreviated and altered version was included in P. W., 1834, 1844, and 1852, with the heading 'On taking Leave of —— 1817':—
To know, to esteem, to love—and then to part, Makes up life's tale to many a feeling heart! O for some dear abiding-place of Love, O'er which my spirit, like the mother dove Might brood with warming wings!—O fair as kind, Were but one sisterhood with you combined, (Your very image they in shape and mind) Far rather would I sit in solitude, The forms of memory all my mental food, And dream of you, sweet sisters, (ah, not mine!) And only dream of you (ah dream and pine!) Than have the presence, and partake the pride, And shine in the eye of all the world beside!