[Isles of Shoals—Sunday, 6 July 1873]
The day, Sunday, July 6th is one of the most perfect of the year. The rains have cleared the air and the fragrance and beauty of June has at length come in July. Whittier is just saying how much he enjoys the day and the sea. “I like to go to sea as St. Patrick went from Ireland to Scotland” says Whittier—“on a rock!” All day yesterday while J. was in Portsmouth Whittier, Celia, & I were talking, talking—ah! it was delightful and never to be forgotten. Whittier gave me this rose.
Many a happy day we see
Morning a gay festivity—
But thus hours fade away
In to common twilight gray,
Many darkened hours we see
Of doubt and sorrow both, maybe;
But the brave heart cannot stray
True love and laurels lie his way
