Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems by the late Thomas Haynes Bayly; Edited by his Widow. With A Memoir of the Author. In Two Volumes |
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 | Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems |  |
THEY HAVE SEEN BETTER DAYS.
I
They have seen better days, you say,Oh, tell me when and where;
Give me the clue to steal away
The memory of their care.
There is deep feeling in the tone
Of that most touching phrase;
And sympathy has tears for one
Who has seen better days.
II
But they, in their small dwelling-place,Give no complainings vent;
Their features wear no sullen trace
Of gloomy discontent.
Most cheerful when alone, they seek
For no external rays;
And though of past days oft they speak,
Scarce call them better days.
152
III
Have they endur'd neglect or wrong,And known diminish'd wealth?
Light evils; if to them belong
Love, competence, and health.
They who hang hopeless o'er the couch,
Where beauty's bloom decays,
May feel despairing thoughts approach,
And weep for better days.
| Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems | |