THE STAR OF THE MINE.

From the deep chambers of a mine,

With heavy gloom o’erspread,

I saw a star at noontide shine

Serenely o’er my head.

I had not seen it midst the glow

Of the rich upper day;

But in that shadowy world below,

How my heart bless’d its ray!

And still, the farther from my sight

Torches and lamps were borne,

The purer, lovelier, seem’d the light

That wore its beams unshorn.

Oh! what is like that heavenly spark?

—A friend’s kind, steadfast eye;

Where, brightest when the world grows dark,

Hope, cheer, and comfort lie!