University of Virginia Library

This earth hath not a feeling given
So holy and so fair—
So like the intercourse in heaven,
Which blessed spirits share—
As those sweet friendships which entwine
Young kindred hearts around;
And make an earthly Eden shine
In home's delightful sound.
Bright seraphs, pausing on the wing,
Might gaze on and approve
That beautiful and precious thing,
An elder sister's love!
How wisely will her lips impart
The words of peace and truth;
And counsel an unpractised heart,
To shun the snares of youth.
And when for faults of forward will
E'en parents kind reprove,
How soothing in that hour of ill
Appears a sister's love!
Oh, prize her well! The world's caress
Is but for summer hours;
Withdrawn in seasons of distress,
When winter darkly lowers.
But when the troublous storms of life
On thy frail bark descend,
More precious 'midst its bitter strife,
Thou'lt find so true a friend.
And let adversity's stern test
Each flatterer far remove,
A stricken heart will still find rest
In some fond sister's love.