Page:Halleck.djvu/248

216 ::’Tis in affection’s fond domain, Where still unruffled joys denote thy golden reign.


 * Deprived of thee, does earth possess
 * One charm to bind us here below?
 * In vain may pomp and power caress,
 * Or wealth its glittering gifts bestow.
 * Lost is their worth when thou art fled,
 * When Discord lifts her sceptre dread,
 * And pallid Envy, Care, and Strife

Unite their darkening clouds to veil the noon of life.


 * But when thy welcome steps appear,
 * This dreaded train of evil flies,
 * Gay Cheerfulness is ever near,
 * And calm Content with placid eyes;
 * And all that to the soul endears
 * This dreary wilderness of years,
 * All that our happiest hours employ,

When beats the willing heart to transport and to joy.


 * Where’er I tread this varied scene,
 * Good-Humor! on my path attend;
 * Alike when pleasure smiles serene,
 * Or pain and grief my bosom rend,
 * Do thou infuse thy sovereign power,
 * In youth’s gay morn, in manhood’s hour,
 * Or when, in age, life’s parting ray

But faintly lingers low ere yet it fades away! 1811.