Gould was born in Lancaster, Massachusetts
, but while yet a child her father moved to Newburyport, Massachusetts
. Her father, Benjamin Gould (1751-1841), had been a soldier in the American Revolutionary War
, and after her mother's death, she became his constant companion, which accounts for the patriotism of her earlier verses.
She early wrote for several periodicals, and in 1832 her poetical pieces were collected in a volume.
Wisdom, Power and Goodness meetIn the bounteous field of wheat.
Come out — pretty Rose-Bud, — my lone, timid one!Come forth from thy green leaves, and peep at the sun!For little he does, in these dull autumn hours,At height'ning of beauty, or laughing with flowers.
I am feeble, pale and weary, And my wings are nearly furled; I have caused a scene so dreary, I am glad to quit the world! With bitterness I'm thinking On the evil I have done, And to my caverns sinking From the coming of the sun.
The Frost looked forth one still, clear night,And he said, "Now I shall be out of sight;So through the valley and over the heightIn silence I'll take my way."