TO A FRIEND.
O thou fair daughter of a northern clime!To thee, dear heart, I dedicate my rhyme.Dost know that life to thee shouldst be sublime?Though thou hast many problems yet to face,Thou wilt not fall, nor falter in the race.Nor e’en the smallest thing in life debase.“New England” blood is coursing through my veins,No evil deed, nor thought, thy pure heart stains.Thy life is melody,—not sad refrains.—In brightest life, some shadows there will be.If thou dost bear these shadows cheerfully,The clouds will break, and sunshine come to thee.Not having burdens of thine own to bear,Thou must be willing others’ griefs to share,There are enough for all, and some to spare.If this thou doest uncomplaininglyThou wilt be blest throughout eternity.
O thou fair daughter of a northern clime!To thee, dear heart, I dedicate my rhyme.Dost know that life to thee shouldst be sublime?Though thou hast many problems yet to face,Thou wilt not fall, nor falter in the race.Nor e’en the smallest thing in life debase.“New England” blood is coursing through my veins,No evil deed, nor thought, thy pure heart stains.Thy life is melody,—not sad refrains.—In brightest life, some shadows there will be.If thou dost bear these shadows cheerfully,The clouds will break, and sunshine come to thee.Not having burdens of thine own to bear,Thou must be willing others’ griefs to share,There are enough for all, and some to spare.If this thou doest uncomplaininglyThou wilt be blest throughout eternity.