To H. N. Coleridge

Kinsman — yea, more than kinsman — brother — friend,-
O more than kinsman ! more than friend or brother !
My sister's spouse, son to my widow'd mother ! —
How shall I praise thee right, and not offend ?
For thou wert sent a sore heart-ill to mend.
Twin stars were ye, thou and thy wedded love,
Benign of aspect as those imps of Jove,
In antique faith commission'd to portend
To sad sea-wanderers peace ; or like the tree
By Moses cast into the bitter pool,
Which made the tear-salt water fresh and cool ;
Or even as spring, that sets the boon earth free —
Free to be good, exempt from winter's rule :
Such hast thou been to our poor family.