A GEM.
A gem is a beautiful thing,
Or even a beautiful thought,
Or that which will happiness bring,
Or the love that can not be bought.
A gem is a beautiful stone,
Or beautiful shell from the sea,
Or a voice of elegant tone,
Or something more precious to thee.
A gem is a token of love,
Or gift from the heart of a friend,
Or sweet note by wings of a dove,
With balm all your sorrows to mend.
A gem may glisten like new gold,
Or sparkle like stars in the night,
Or charm like the rubies of old,
As they glow in the sun’s pure light.
A gem may belong to a queen,
Or shine from the crown of a king;
But the richest gem ever seen,
Is love of the genuine ring.
Some gems are delightful to see,
And their owners may justly boast;
But the best of all gems for me,
Is the friend that loves me the most.
THE CHINA WEDDING.
Read at the party given by Mr. and Mrs. Hiram W. Robertson, on the twentieth anniversary of their marriage, December 16th, 1887. Composed the same evening after supper.