THE SECOND SPHERE.
There is a flower that fadeth never;
There is a star which never sets;
There is a gem that shineth ever—
There is a Mind, which ne’er forgets
The flower, so sweet, so fadeless, even
The star, ’mid other stars, so bright—
The gem that decks the vault of heaven;
Or mind that lives for purer light,
Where angels dwell in nightless day,
Where seraphs chant the holy lay,
Where minds unite with minds above,
Where all is peace, where all is love.
There is a casket filled with flowers;
There is a stream of crystal life;
There is a beauty decks my bowers,
In this bright world away from strife;
Which fills my soul with grateful praise,
Which melts my heart with holy fire,
Which wakes my song, inspires my lays,
And quickens mind with pure desire;
For sweet employ in works of love,
To bless my soul with grace above—
The flower, the star, or gem so fair,
That I no want or sorrow share.