University of Virginia Library


305

THERE'S A DUTY.

Yes, still there's a duty on earth to perform
Though hearts may have suffer'd till life appears lone,
There are feelings affection should ever keep warm,
Making other hearts happy should gladden our own.
To live for ourselves is to narrow the sphere
Of feeling to nothing—and what can atone
For the loss of that sweetest humanity here—
Making other hearts happy—to gladden our own!
'Tis an impulse the nearest to virtue allied
Thus to solace misfortune wherever 'tis shewn,
And though life may have left little pleasure beside—
Making other hearts happy will gladden our own!