WRITTEN FOR HER BIRTH DAY; JANUARY 7.
EACH
year, in its flight, yields a theme for reflection;
Let this Moralist, then, your attention engage,
In youth's cheerful season, while yet no dejection
Shrouds life's brilliant morn in the darkness of age.
A thought of the future, in vision prospective,
Bright scenes of delight may unfold to the view;
Enchanting the thoughts, too, of years retrospective,-
The visions of youth picture joys in perspective,-
How often, alas! prove those visions untrue!
Louisa! give audience to reason's dictation,
O'er your mind let Religion maintain her mild sway;
Unshaken by skepticks' and fools' conversation,
In the strength of your Saviour, hold onward your way.
Should fortune prove faithless, and friends all forsake you,
Adversity barb her insidious dart;-
Faith, based on the sure Rock of Ages, will make you
On the Lord cast the sorrows that burden your heart.
So, when the last trump shall arouse all creation,
Triumphant to regions of bliss may you soar;
Each virtue, here loved, will endear your salvation,
Rich Grace claim your praises, while God you adore!
WRITTEN ON A SPLENDID SHEET OF PAPER, PRESENTED FOR THE PURPOSE.
THE Muse essays her loftiest powers,
Obedient to Elvira's call,-
To twine a wreath of richest flowers,
Though conscious, still, the boon is small.
Here, on this pure and stainless sheet,
The gift of her I hold so dear,
Would I inscribe an offering meet
For her, whose virtues I revere.
Cheered by mild friendship's genial ray,
Sustained by sympathy divine;
Fain would I tune my sweetest lay,
An offering at Affection's shrine.
For, in thy chaste and sinless breast,
An holy altar lights its fires;
Which no unhallowed thoughts molest-
Which no unchastened wish inspires.
And on that holy altar, burns
Sweet incense, kindled with love's flame,
Love, that this sentient heart returns,
Nor seeks a meed of nobler fame.
My sister will accept this love;
For, hearts, thus dearly intertwined,
Shall share in holier bliss above,
In joys as lasting as the mind!
Our path through life is gemm'd with tears ;-
But, sister, there is bliss to come:
And hope in Christ dispels our fears,
As we approach the lurid tomb.
For Jesus triumphed over death,
And kindly here he guards his saints; Supports us when we yield our breath, And pity gives to our complaints.
Here let us hold our onward course,
That leads to deathless joys on high;
Where we shall praise of Love the Source,
And live, and love,-no more to die.
And there, in sweet seraphick strains,
We'll join the choir around the Throne,
Who praise, throughout the heavenly plains,
Day without night, the THREE IN ONE!
WRITTEN FOR HER BIRTH-DAY; JUNE 4.
LET thy loved brother, on thy natal day,
Attune his lyre, and chant a modest lay
To his Elvira:-sweetly flow the strain,
That for a while may ease thy heart of pain.
O, that the auspicious day, which saw thy birth,
Might, with each revolution of the earth,
Witness contentment sparkling in thine eyes,—
Nor thy loved bosom heaved with painful sighs!
But ah! how sure is grief our nature's doom,
Till we descend into the peaceful tomb!
In this decree, how sad has been thy part,-
And Grace, alone, can heal thy bleeding heart!
Beloved sister! in thy griefs I share,
Respond thy sighs-participate thy care;
In all thy nameless ills I sympathize,
And wipe the tears that glitter in thine eyes.
And wipe the tears?—alas, the attempt were vain!-
Then let mine flow, in sympathetick pain,-
Mingle my griefs with thine;—for sure my heart
In others' woes can bear a feeling part.
And oh! there's joy in grief! Who would resign
This precious treasure, for earth's richest mine?
In souls congenial, joys and sorrows blend,
And indicate the generous, sterling FRIEND.
What words shall paint the emotions of my soul, Who yields her powers to love's benign control;— That chastened flame, which warms the pious breast, And antedates our bliss, in realms of heavenly rest!
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