 | The poetical works of Samuel Woodworth |  |
272
ART THOU, DEAR NIECE.
Art thou, dear niece, in life's young bloom,
Now, ere the scene is dressed in gloom,
Neglectful of those flowers of mirth,
Meant to refresh our minds on earth?
Art thou, so young, so fair in truth,
Regardless of the joys of youth,
Intended in our path below,
As antidotes to human wo?
Now, ere the scene is dressed in gloom,
Neglectful of those flowers of mirth,
Meant to refresh our minds on earth?
Art thou, so young, so fair in truth,
Regardless of the joys of youth,
Intended in our path below,
As antidotes to human wo?
Waste not thy youth, thy health, and bloom,
On themes of sorrow, doubt, and gloom;
Our earthly joys, in mercy given,
Do not retard our course to heaven.
Wear in thy face the cheerful smile,
Of innocence, devoid of guile;
Revere and worship with the heart,
The eyes and lips may still impart
Hope's sparkling ray, joy's silver tone,
The good are cheerful—they alone.
On themes of sorrow, doubt, and gloom;
Our earthly joys, in mercy given,
Do not retard our course to heaven.
Wear in thy face the cheerful smile,
Of innocence, devoid of guile;
Revere and worship with the heart,
The eyes and lips may still impart
Hope's sparkling ray, joy's silver tone,
The good are cheerful—they alone.
| The poetical works of Samuel Woodworth | |