And ever may the sacred nine,
Lead thee to their embrace,
Inspire thy song with themes divine,
Choice gems select from nature’s mine,
Enriched with matchless grace.
Be thine a life of social joy,
Removed from care and pain,
On earth thy early years employ,
With prospect of that gain
No mortal here can realize,
Eternal bliss beyond the skies.
[Work To-Day.]
Youth’s the time; Youth’s the season!
Learn and labor while you may,
Hear the voice of age and reason,—
Work to-day.
Labor hard in morning’s prime,
Hasten on without delay,
Make the most of early time—
Work to-day.
Up betimes, nor let the sun
Find you sleeping or at play,
Sleep enough when life is done—
Work to-day.
Cull the sweets from ev’ry flower,
Seize the moments while you may,
Nor idly pass one sunny hour—
Work to-day.
[On the Death of a Child.]
Dear sister, has thy little son,
Been snatched from thy embrace,
Thy fav’rite child, thy darling one,
Has left a vacant place.
His father oft with little John
Beguil’d the hours away,
To watch his little fav’rite son,
Enjoy his childish play;