The years flew by--an aged pair, Sat by an old hearth-stone, With furrowed brows and hoary hair, Talking in feeble tone Of the happy days they used to know, When, in the gladsome weather, They wandered merrily to and fro, Talking of love together. And now the grass grows green on a pair Of graves, made side by side; Two hearts are lying in silence there, That once beat with joy and pride. They shared life’s triumphs, life’s defeats, Thro’ fair and stormy weather, And now they walk the golden streets Of Paradise--together. _BE NOT DISCOURAGED._ When the clouds hang darkly o’er thee, Be thou not discouraged: When the world looks drear before thee, Be thou not discouraged: Let thy heart be light and gay; Soon the clouds will pass away: ’Tis darkest just before the day; Be thou not discouraged. _FOREST DELIGHTS._ I love to stroll amid the silent wood Where naught is found to break the quietude, Except the woodland tenants, or the breeze Among the tender ferns and tow’ring trees. Here sports the timid hare in wanton glee, While may be heard from yonder chestnut tree The squirrel chirping to its mate near by, Which gaily answers with a prompt reply. Here many a brooklet ripples on its way, Here countless birds employ their sweetest lay, And here and there the startled otter springs, While oft a partridge hies on whirring wings. What are the palaces of kings and lords Compared with all that nature here affords? These forest charms are dearer to my heart Than all the pomp of royalty and art. _PARTING._ The deepest sorrow fills the heart To see our loved ones perish; But soon or late we all must part With those we fondly cherish. The tie must break with friend and friend: The true and noble-hearted Must one day reach their journey’s end, To join the dear departed. Why mourn we, then, for those who cross The intervening river? Although to us a heavy loss, To them is joy forever. _SONG._ Not always the prettiest flowers Fill the air with the sweetest perfume; And not always the sweetest singer Is the bird with the fairest plume. But the sweetness surpassing all other, And the richest and tenderest strain, Rise out of the bosom that knoweth The feelings of love and pain. _GOD’S LOVE._ I know where’er my feet may be, Tho’ prone to stray, His watchful eye is over me Both night and day. And tho’ ofttimes this heart has erred ’Mid worldly cares, I know His pard’ning ear has heard My humble prayers. At all times, e’en when I have failed To do His will, His love has in my heart prevailed-- And guides me still. _DREAMS._