| Samuel Kettell, ed. Specimens of American Poetry. 1829. | | | | The Nun | | By G. Wallingford Clarke |
| | | HER eye is raised to heaven:—no ray is there | |
| Of earthly pride, or passion. O’er her brow | |
| Angelic, as she breathes the solemn vow, | |
| A bright expression spreads. Her rich, soft hair, | |
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| In radiant ringlets, down her bosom fair | 5 |
| Falls—like the beams of morning on the prow | |
| Of the light heaving bark. ’T is past, and now | |
| A pale and pensive hue her features wear. | |
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| So young—so beautiful, to turn aside | |
| From life’s fresh opening scenes, and sunny hours, | 10 |
| Seems like religion’s triumph—but the heart | |
| Strives from itself in vain the truth to hide: | |
| The sigh will rise, the tender tear will start: | |
| Ah! love yet lingers o’er his faded flowers! | | | | |
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