XVIII, SONGS NOT FOR SADNESS. I. I Do not love a lay that tells A long, unvaried tale of grief: The heavy chime of muffled bells Should aye be brief. II. 'Tis better tell in sighs than songs- III. The world but little cares, I ween, To hear the minstrel's tuneful moan: Enough they think to bear the spleen That is their own. IV. They love far more to hear a lay Which speaks not of another's cares; But with sweet music takes away Or lessens their's. V. A song should be when hearts beat high With joy, not sink opprest with sadness: Who silent in their troubles lie Best sing in gladness. VI. The merry lark may have his time Of want and sorrow-none can doubt it; But then he does not mount sublime, And sing about it. VII. No, little diamond edition Of nature's sweetest, blithest ditty! He dreams not of the poor ambition Of winning pity! VIII. Still as a bee mid winter snows It fills the skies. IX. He soars on high, and all may see In heaviness. X. If when he mounts, his gladsome strain Should please the world below, and move them With joy, 'tis well-if not, 'tis plain He's far above them. XI. It grieves not him, light-hearted elf, If some won't heed his music-still, He warbles on to please himself, And those who will. Such ways XII. I love, thou minstrel gay! I'll sing with thee in sunny weather; And when there comes a gloomy day, We'll rest together. XVIII. THE MEEK FORGIVING SAVIOUR. "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”— MATT. xxvi. 41. Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."— Luke xxiii. 34. I. THERE are who kindly in their hours of gladness Shed joy around, Yet harsh and angry in the day of sadness To all are found: Like flowers that healthful odours in the light Breathe sweetly forth, and yet are noxious in the night. |