Adown the narrow stream, at first, we glide

Thro' fruits and flowers that fringe the grassy side.

The playful murmurings of its windings seem

Soft, as the far-off music of a dream,

Over our heads the trees their blossoms shed,

Flowers on the brink their mingled odours shed.

Beauty around, above us, Hope within;

Eager we grasp each dazzling charm to win.

But hurried on and on, we ne'er can stay

Our little bark to anchor or delay.