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THE FATHER'S LOVE.
Far more priceless than the diamonds rare from Golconda's rich mine;
Far more precious than the laurel wreaths that victor's brows entwine,
Is the garland that fond memory weaves, and twines about the heart—
For care nor time, nor war nor crime, can make its tints depart.
Far more precious than the laurel wreaths that victor's brows entwine,
Is the garland that fond memory weaves, and twines about the heart—
For care nor time, nor war nor crime, can make its tints depart.
A mother's love! most sacred boon to mortals ever given;
'Tis not of earth; a mother's love was surely born in heaven!
See with what gentle, tender care her darling child she shields
From harms of life, from every strife this sphere terrestrial yields!
'Tis not of earth; a mother's love was surely born in heaven!
See with what gentle, tender care her darling child she shields
From harms of life, from every strife this sphere terrestrial yields!
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But ah, to me, of all the buds in memory's garland fair,—
And I have there full many a gem of worth and beauty rare,—
Is remembrance of my Father's love, that ever shineth bright!
To me, its ray tells of the day that dawns upon the night.
And I have there full many a gem of worth and beauty rare,—
Is remembrance of my Father's love, that ever shineth bright!
To me, its ray tells of the day that dawns upon the night.
He gave to me a double share—a Joseph's sacred part,—
And it twined itself, like ivy-green, about my infant heart.
I have revelled in gay fashion's throng, have bowed at folly's shrine,
But I am sure my heart is pure, while Father's love is mine.
And it twined itself, like ivy-green, about my infant heart.
I have revelled in gay fashion's throng, have bowed at folly's shrine,
But I am sure my heart is pure, while Father's love is mine.
All other love is mockery to this, a Father's love—
Fit emblem of the strength of His, who dwelleth far above:
More lasting than eternity—more boundless than the sea!
The blessing mine, the ray divine, may Father's love e'er be.
Fit emblem of the strength of His, who dwelleth far above:
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The blessing mine, the ray divine, may Father's love e'er be.
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