To H. N. Coleridge: Kinsman - yea, more than kinsman...

[ZaunköniG]

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 winters's rule:
Such hast thou been to our poor family.