So gayly o’er the rippling stream
I floated on life’s sunniest tides,
Beguiled by many a thoughtless dream.
No clouds but those of gilded hue
Enrobed the smiling azure sky;
No frantic blasts around me blew,
But gentlest zephyrs bade me hie.
Thus many a thoughtless hour I whiled
Upon a tranquil summer sea;
Entranced with joy, at fear I smiled,